Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Leviticus 21-22

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:22-27

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter nineteen - Holiness and Leadership - covering Leviticus 21-22, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Calls Us to Represent His Design in Our Marriages.  Here, the commentary calls out Leviticus 21:7-9 and 13-15 as the basis to encourage us to demonstrate holiness within our marriages. While the intent of Leviticus was directed towards the Old Testament priesthood, believers in Christ should see how, in the New Testament, we are called to "represent His design in marriage."  The commentary calls out three scripture examples for us to see this at work:

• 2 Corinthians 6:14: we are to marry those with whom we are "equally yoked"
  
• Ephesians 5:22-25: husbands are to love their wives and wives are to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ
  
• 1 Timothy 3:2, 12: leadership in the church must have exemplary marriage

The commentary wraps by stating that "[i]n the old covenant, God held a high standard for the marriages of priests.  In the new covenant, God continues to hold a high standard for the marriages of all followers of Jesus."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blessed me with a wonderful wife, marriage and family.  I am undeserving.  My sin continues as I often fall down in my role as a both a husband and father - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.