“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 5:25-27 ESV)
If my sister can still read these meditations from on high, I know I have to get to tell a story first. That was her preference, as opposed just going straightforward to stating some specific biblical truths.
Yet, before I get to the story, and while my purpose for today’s meditation, I must state that while today’s opening passage has a more general and greater meaning, one for everyone, there is something in the divinely inspired passage that is definitely for husbands. So, make sure you pass this one on to some of these men, young or old. For they must assume the role of the head of the cleaner’s franchise in their home. It is not just up to Jesus to make their home clean inside, but fathers have a key role starting with their wife, and then extending to their offspring.
Now, the backstory, another true account. I went to a big-box store to buy a few groceries for the week, early Monday morning. After I got a cart with wheels that actually worked without extra physical exertion or an unscheduled workout, I glanced over at the strategically placed women’s department, and saw a jacket that would be perfect for my wife. I found the right size, took a look at it, and concluded quickly that there was no special care taken in shipping the item or in the effort of making it look appealing in what retailer’s refer to as the back room. It was wrinkled and would require some real attention. Still, because it was 30% off (Laugh if you want!), I put the jacket in my cart, hung it in a place where it would not get any more wrinkles as I proceeded to shop for groceries.
While I’m doing the shopping, I first thought about ironing the jacket at home before I presented this unexpected gift to my wife. I crossed that off my wrinkle remedy option, even though I figured I could okay with the ironing task, especially since I took “Chief’s” Tailoring Class in high school. Part of our job was cleaning athletic uniforms and making sure they were good for the next competition. We were an in-house cleaner’s franchise, so to speak. Next, as if I were running through a wrinkle-remedy checklist, I thought about using the wrinkle-free option on my dryer. But then I asked myself, “Has that really ever worked for you?” Talking to myself, I said, “No.” So, I crossed that off my wrinkle-remedy list too. Finally, I decided to take it to the cleaners and see if they could just press it for me. The owner of the cleaner’s franchise said, “Yes.” It would only cost $4.50. But keep in mind, I got a 30% discount (Laugh again. That’s all right.) I went with that option. I figured that was the best one available.
Well, wait a minute, there is a better option, a supreme option, when it comes to getting wrinkles out and more. If you doubt me, just look at the underlined portion of the verses above! And, if you don’t really like reading, let me give you the short and succinct answer; “Jesus!” He is the head of the cleaner’s franchises, called churches! Now, you ought to be saying, “Thank you,” about right now, for we al., members of the body of the church include, we all have some spots and wrinkles show up in our goal to live holy.
May this meditation make an impact on all who read it! Have a good day, my friend! Be blessed!
“Won’t He make you clean inside.” (Lyrics by Hezekiah Walker)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King