A Profound Mystery

We sat in the pew.

I was already agitated because there was a band on stage. I know the whole Christian rock-and-roll movement has been gaining popularity at services for decades now, but I prefer choirs and old-fashioned hymns. Anyway, while my heart was growing cold, Ron nudged my side. He pointed to a paragraph in the bulletin. I glanced down to see a blurb about a new book titled What’s Submission Got to Do With It? The paragraph went on to ask: Are you wrestling with being submissive to your husband?

In an instant, my chilly heart turned to ice.

Over the weekend we’d been hotly debating a certain issue. We were at odds about it, but after a sleep-deprived night we’d made peace. At least, I thought we had. Until now.

“Excuse me, I have to step outside,” I said. I left the sanctuary and plopped myself on a hallway bench to stew. I couldn’t believe he was stooping to this level. Telling me he should get his way because of Ephesians 5:22? Sheesh!

The sanctuary door opened.

Ron gave me an I-can-explain look, but I chimed in before he could get his words out. “Read that passage in context and you’ll see it’s not a one-way street. The husband is called to serve his wife, too” I yell-whispered through tears.

“I had no idea what that bulletin announcement was about,” Ron said.

Oops. As soon as he spoke, I knew he had pointed out that blurb for an entirely different reason.

“All I saw was that a member from the church had written and published a book. I thought you would think that was neat. I swear I didn’t even see the topic until you left,” he said.

We both busted out laughing.

He dug a clean Kleenex out of his pocket and handed it over. He put his arm around me and waited until I was ready. Then we walked back through the doors together.

Later, at home, I re-read the Ephesians passage. Part of the text is about how God loves the church (his people), and if you have God’s presence in your life, you’ll be encouraged. The passage then correlates with a message on marriage, showing how spouses can love and honor each other.

In conclusion, the author calls God’s love "a profound mystery.”

I had to agree.

Relationships (whether between people and God, or men and women) certainly are mysterious. Especially when misunderstandings arise. Yet when those misunderstandings are finally cleared up, and the guilty party is forgiven, and you see how much you are truly loved, the mystery grows even deeper.

In an amazing and wonderful way.