MUSINGS

“A HELPMATE, HIS LIKE” This expression in Genesis 2: 18 sets out the divine thought of what a wife is to be. Ephesians 5 shows that Genesis 2 relates to both the truth of Christ and the assembly and to the marriage bond. What an advantage it is to a man to have a helpmate, and in how many ways a wife can be indispensable to her husband. But there is this additional thought—“his like”. That is, she is to be just like her husband, one with him in his outlook, exercises, and desires. Thus she can support and help him in them. Aquila and Priscilla are a fine example of a husband and wife who were one in the things of the Lord.

The husband, in his place of headship, will, if things are right, have the Lord’s interests as his first priority—but he is certainly not to be unpractical as to home responsibilities. The wife is to encourage her husband in his desires to be devoted to the Lord and His interests, so she will not be too possessive as to him, thus making it easier for him to make time for the Lord’s things. It will mean sacrifice, but she will be blessed for that.

“His like” would also mean that what a brother seeks to support in word and conduct is backed up by his wife’s character. His expounding on headship will be undermined if she is insubject; his exhortation on heavenly-mindedness could certainly have the edge taken off it if she is earthly-minded.

It is testing and searching to reflect on the divine standard, but let us seek grace to answer to it, for heaven loves to see man and wife set together in support of the testimony of our Lord, and there is real joy and blessing in it.

FCM