Lost

"I'm saying this is a great mystery: into Christ and into the church," Ephesians 5:32.

So the Word's been talking about a man and a woman, husband and wife, and their relationship: love and respect, one for the other. And suddenly. Suddenly it breaks out with that mysterious line. Mystery concerning Christ and the church. The Scripture double underscores that the link between a man and woman more deeply represents the link between Jesus and the congregation. This is totally weird; no wonder it's been a mystery! A mystery now revealed, but still not easy to grasp. Jesus loved his bride yielding his desires to her needs, giving himself entirely to her benefit. That's how a man is to love his woman. The church honors her Lord Christ, giving up self for him. That's how a woman is to honor her man. Not a run-of-the-mill kingdom of earth here. Sky kingdom.

With a brother or sister today we feel overwhelmed by Jesus' love and commitment for us. And so, together, lost in praise and wonder, we offer the deepest thanksgivings of our hearts.