When I went fishing as a kid, we were taught to keep and eat what we caught - that is, if the fish was edible and a keeper. At Lake Cuyamaca there was a no-release policy regardless of size, but in the ocean bass and halibut had to be an appropriate length. We were also told if we caught a garibaldi to release it because it was the California state fish and protected. Many times we caught fish that were just an inch short, but we kept the law by throwing them back.
There's plenty of fish in the sea, it is said, and this cliche is often used in reference to people. In the right time of life it is important to choose the right person to be a lifelong spouse. A woman may have many potential suitors, but it is her choice which man is a "keeper." Unlike fish, height or weight probably has little to do with it. As a follower of Jesus Christ she needs to determine if he also is a man of faith: will he be faithful, a provider, and rear children who know the LORD? Does she love and respect him? Is she willing to commit the remainder of her life in a covenant before God to be united as one in marriage with him?
As I read the Bible this week I was amazed by the love of Jesus, that He gave His life to purchase the church. The church is comprised of sinners who in themselves are no prize at all: I am not a "keeper" because I do not measure up to God's righteous standard in any way. The love Jesus demonstrated in sacrificing Himself to save sinners is the way a husband ought to love his own wife. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:28-30, "So husbands ought to love their own 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 the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." Jesus nourishes and cherishes each member of the church like we are His own flesh and bones. How miraculous is God's love and acceptance!
In the history of the world I doubt a man has chosen to marry a woman who he knew was a compulsive liar and thief, committed adultery with every person she laid eyes on, was a drunkard and drug addict, in poor health, cursed him to his face when he visited her in prison, and told him she hated him above all others. I can't imagine any sensible man happily saying at the prospect of such a match, "What a dream come true! What a catch!" Compared to the holy purity of God I was worse than this ridiculous character, but Jesus loved me with an everlasting love. He saw me as a keeper when I was fit only for eternal punishment and death in hell for my sin. Jesus saves all who trust Him as Saviour, He transforms us from within, and will keep us forever.
1 Peter 1:3-5 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." How great is our God who gives an eternal, living hope to those fit for destruction! We are not keepers, but because Jesus loves us He delights to be our Keeper.
There's plenty of fish in the sea, it is said, and this cliche is often used in reference to people. In the right time of life it is important to choose the right person to be a lifelong spouse. A woman may have many potential suitors, but it is her choice which man is a "keeper." Unlike fish, height or weight probably has little to do with it. As a follower of Jesus Christ she needs to determine if he also is a man of faith: will he be faithful, a provider, and rear children who know the LORD? Does she love and respect him? Is she willing to commit the remainder of her life in a covenant before God to be united as one in marriage with him?
As I read the Bible this week I was amazed by the love of Jesus, that He gave His life to purchase the church. The church is comprised of sinners who in themselves are no prize at all: I am not a "keeper" because I do not measure up to God's righteous standard in any way. The love Jesus demonstrated in sacrificing Himself to save sinners is the way a husband ought to love his own wife. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:28-30, "So husbands ought to love their own 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 the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." Jesus nourishes and cherishes each member of the church like we are His own flesh and bones. How miraculous is God's love and acceptance!
In the history of the world I doubt a man has chosen to marry a woman who he knew was a compulsive liar and thief, committed adultery with every person she laid eyes on, was a drunkard and drug addict, in poor health, cursed him to his face when he visited her in prison, and told him she hated him above all others. I can't imagine any sensible man happily saying at the prospect of such a match, "What a dream come true! What a catch!" Compared to the holy purity of God I was worse than this ridiculous character, but Jesus loved me with an everlasting love. He saw me as a keeper when I was fit only for eternal punishment and death in hell for my sin. Jesus saves all who trust Him as Saviour, He transforms us from within, and will keep us forever.
1 Peter 1:3-5 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." How great is our God who gives an eternal, living hope to those fit for destruction! We are not keepers, but because Jesus loves us He delights to be our Keeper.
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