.Alright, let's do the husbands (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious gift of life - so that nothing may hinder your prayers. Again, think about this as letting your light shine. Yes, it is - for us - as sexist sounding as some may say. But, it an ancient culture, the woman was considered 'weaker' ( although it is a very limited understanding of weak). I find the key words being "honor" and "heirs". This is not a lesser person. This is one who may have less physical strength and has to live in a 'restricted' tribe or culture, but this one - this woman - is of the same place as all of the followers of Jesus. We are heirs - all of us. That is, we have all been handed this gift of new life. None of it is earned - none of it is based on our ability to be someone different from who we are. No where in this passage is the man put in a position above the woman in regard to worth. I would like to suggest that men are called to gracefully extend ourselves to women as servants who can see and deeply believe in the worth of all - even when it is counter to the culture or tribe. In that way, our lives will reflect the wide open expectation that the Christ of God gives shape to all of us. The shape is servanthood without condition - or games - or paybacks. Connection: The power for life in all this writing about wives and husbands comes from In the middle of what is so common, O God, we come as you common, everyday people whose hearts have been grasped by your love. Encourage us again to let that love be the shape of our presence in the world. Amen. |
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