1Peter 2:25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
1 Peter 3:7Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
In this passage the word “likewise” causes me to take pause as ask to what is Peter referring to. Like what is my question. I believe he is drawing parallels with what he stated at the end of chapter 2.
In chapter 2 he is talking about being treated unjustly. For example he mentions that we are to honor masters that even if they treat us wrongly we are to show them honor by being subject to their authority (2:18). In doing so we receive honor from God & show his excellencies (2:9) to the world. Peter says the reason we should do this is because Christ Jesus suffered unjustly for us (1 Peter 2:21) leaving us an example that we should follow in he steps. (2:22-23) “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
Then in chapter 3 he say to wives “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. So just as at times we a called to glorify God by suffering unjustly, and as Christ who suffered unjustly entrusted Himself to God so are the wives to submit themselves under the authority of there husbands trusting God as they “adorn themselves by a meek and quiet spirit.”
So the Peter turns to husbands and says likewise or just like Christ entrusted Himself to God and as it states in verse 2:25 He became the shepherd & overseer of our souls. Christ looked upon us as sheep as saw our need to be led and nurchered as a shepherd does his sheep. Like that husbands should be the shepherd or overseer of our wives and homes looking out for & taking care of just as Christ Jesus denied himself to take care of our souls. We are told to dwell with our wives in an “understanding way.” Husbands need to take the time to understand their wives. To understand that they are the weaker, though not inferior, vessel. Husbands to “watch over” and take care of their wives as one that is fragile and delicate. Just as Christ has done for us.
Peter goes on to say that wives are the heirs of the grace of life together with the husband. What an opportunity so show forth Christs submission and His caring shepherding love that we have in the covenant of marriage. As we mutually submit one to another in love. And as each Husband and Wife both as sinners look to Christ as what he has done for them to draw strength to be like Jesus and learn to be like Him to our spouses even when we feel we are being treated unjustly. There is no greater place to show forth the love of God than in the marriage relationship.
Dear Lord,
I come to you as one that so desparately needs your grace. You suffered and died for my sins my offenses against you. When you were reviled against you did not answer back but kept entrusting yourself to the One who judges righteously. This day Lord I need your work in my heart to cause me to respond to wrong against me in the way you responded to my wrong against you. What glorious grace and kindness you have shown me. Help me to dwell with my wife in an understanding way. You have given me such a precious treasure. Please forgive me for the times that I have not treated her as the weaker vessel and have been harsh and not understanding. I thank you for the work you have done in my life stripping away the layers of selfishness and pride. Oh how your ways have brought life to our marriage. Thank you for my wife Lisa. She has been such a dedicated and submissive wife. May I show her the care that you have shown for me. May I do this to bring you the honor and glory you so deserve. May I listen to her seeking to understand her and not jump to selfish conclusions. Please continue you sanctifying work in my life so that I may be the husband & father you have called me to be. I owe all to you. In Jesus name, amen.
