Since I was in Israel the week before Father’s day, I thought I’d use this week following to write devotional thoughts on husbands and fathers from the Bible. The women’s lib movement of decades past took a stand in our culture to gain for women equal rights with men on the job, in the government, and in society as a whole. Remember the motto, “You’ve come a long way, baby!” Well, they certainly have, but it’s worth noting where the movement truly got started.

Nothing has done more for the advancement of those who cannot fend for themselves than Christianity. In a world where woman were recognized as chattel by the law, the Revolutionary teaching of Biblical Christianity is “There is neither male nor female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile.” Peter made it very clear that men should never treat their wives like the rest of the pagan world did. God is always on the side of the weaker soul. He writes, “In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.”

When Peter writes his second letter, he makes his view clear. The opening verse (2 Peter 1:1) reads, “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ…”

One of my favorite sayings is “the ground at the foot of the cross is level.” We all stand on it as sinners and we all stand on it without rights and claims, only to call for God’s grace. In Matthew 23:8, Jesus said, “Don’t let anyone call you Rabbi, for you only have one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.”

Chuck
“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12