Malachi 2:13-15
‘And this is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and sighing, because He no longer gives attention to the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your marriage companion and your wife by covenant. But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. And why the one? He was seeking a godly offspring. Be careful then about your spirit, and see that none of you deals treacherously against the wife of your youth.’
Such an important charge. How we treat people is of great importance to God. Jesus gave the updated commandments to love Him and to love each other. Familial relationships is the laboratory for the love we have. They know us best. There are no facades. The amount of love we have will be evident there.
Amongst the family the husband/wife relationship is preeminent. I can recall that from a class we took while my spouse was pregnant with our first child. The concept was the child is a welcome addition to this very important union. The child wasn’t to be first. I can recall the teacher giving warnings about this. The parents were to be secure in eachother’s commitment. If the child were given the first spot, then resentment seeps in.
Some may say, “Be the bigger person”. It may sound right, but not here. The husband/wife relationship was to be guarded. That being said, sometimes with children things can be chaotic and things may seem rearranged. Assure one another that this isn’t the case.
Today’s verse has the husband treating the wife poorly. It’s interesting that the opposite isn’t said. I take that to mean the husband’s role in cherishing the wife is special. In that if he, the head, loves his wife, then all will be well. Of course there are exceptions, but that is the general rule.
We can see this in scripture. Ephesians 5 tells the husbands to love their wives, but the wives are told to respect their husbands. Sure, they are to love them, but primarily the guys need respect. There are places in scripture where the ladies are addressed about proper boundaries and respect, but the husbands main job is to love his wife.
Today’s passage doesn’t say love, but in the negative, “deals treacherously”. That seems worse than a little marriage neglect. Don’t wait for that. Keep the home fires burning strong. Love your wife. Jesus talks about the danger of love growing lukewarm. Don’t go there.
Jesus comparison of our relationship to Him is one of bride and groom. The marriage love is to be strong, just like our love for God is to be strong. Don’t neglect it, keep the love strong.
In our relationship with God, He is the husband and the church is the bride. It’s awesome that His love for us is strong and ever present. What a relief. We can relax in His love. So, we want our wives to be secure in our love.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love. You bless us with it. Help us to be a blessing to our wives.