Open To His Nurturing!

As Paul intermingled some principles relating to the love of husbands and wives and the love our Lord has for His Body (the church), he stated. . .

"(28) In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (29) For no one ever hated his own flesh, but NOURISHES AND CHERISHES IT, JUST AS CHRIST DOES THE CHURCH, (30) because we are members of HIS BODY." ( Ephesians 5:28-30 ESV)

This is what should mark the relationship between a husband and his wife, based on the logic of their being united as one flesh ( Ephesians 5:31) and how a man would naturally take care of his own body. However, it is also the picture of OUR LORD'S CARING RELATIONSHIP with His Body, the church. Consider this picture of our Lord's loving manner toward us in the endearing terms of "NOURISHES" and "CHERISHES".

"NOURISHES" is translated from the Greek word "ektrepho" which means: "(1) to nourish up to maturity, to nourish. (2) to nurture, bring up." [source: Strong's Lexicon] I find it interesting that it is the same word Paul used in Ephesians 6:4 where fathers are exhorted to "bring up" (or nourish) their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. It is a vital part of growing up to maturity. This is part of the impact Jesus desires to have on our life. His desire is not for us to merely be alive, but to have spiritually healthy lives. Therefore we must remain open to the nurturing He provides through an abiding relationship with Him.

"CHERISHES" is translated from the Greek word "thalpo", which means: "(1) to warm, keep warm. (2) to cherish with tender love, to foster with tender care." [source: Strong's Lexicon] Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words notes the primary meaning as being "primarily means to heat, to soften by heat; then, to keep warm, as of birds covering their young with their feathers." Isn't that a wonderful picture of our relationship with Christ? In fact, this is the very picture our Lord expressed as He walked this earth.

We read. . .
"(37) 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!'" ( Matthew 23:37 ESV)

How sad there was a refusal to respond to HIS TENDER LOVE. How responsive are we to the NOURISHING and CHERISHING RELATIONSHIP the Lord desires to have with us? Should it surprise us that Jesus would CHERISH that for which He gave His life? ( Ephesians 5:25) Because He CHERISHES He provides the means of NOURISHING. May we also CHERISH the relationship lest we depart from it and lose the upbringing that ultimately brings us complete maturity in Him.

Have a great day GROWING UP IN THE LORD!
Carl

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