With the
rejection of Sam’s offer for reconciliation, Jacob’s pack becomes homeless in
their territory. The Cullen family is deeply appreciative of the protection
provided by Jacob’s pack. As a result, Esme tries to care for this new pack as
her very own. She prepares food and clothes for each member. She even offers a
bed for rest when needed by the wolves. Esme steps in as a momentary mother
figure for Jacob, Seth and Leah. Her care for these “outsiders” reminds me of
God’s own command to us in Ephesians 5:17-21. When
we feel loss from being different, we can be filled with the Holy Spirit of God
and find praise in His goodness. Our natural emptiness drives us to worship a
supernatural God, be filled with His Spirit and care for others as Christ has
cared for us.
One of the
best teachings about the Holy Spirit comes in Romans 8. The apostle Paul is
also the author of this New Testament book. He uses this passage in Romans 8 to
explain how we are filled by the Holy Spirit, as Paul commands in Ephesians 5.
When we are filled by the Spirit, we are led by the Spirit (Romans 8:12-14). The Message says, “God’s Spirit
beckons.” Romans 8:15-17 shows that we have an adventurous confidence, a new
level of intimacy and a firm assurance by God’s Spirit. We also have a new
identity. Does that word sound familiar? It should as we have learned over and
over again in Ephesians about our new identity in Christ. We are commanded to
live differently by God’s Spirit. We can put away the empty things of this
world that never satisfy like stealing, harsh language and addictions. The Holy
Spirit will fill us with new power and love for God’s service.
Back in Breaking
Dawn, Bella and Edward find new power and love. While Jacob does his own
thing, Bella and Edward enjoy tender moments together with the baby. In fact,
it seems to be the first loving scene since their honeymoon. In Book I, we
discussed the need for emotional and sexual intimacy within a marriage. In
Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul gives us more details of a healthy marital relationship.
In
Paul’s time, the husband was the head of the household, whether you were a
Christian or not. It is important to understand the context of this passage.
Paul is addressing two Christians in a marriage. This passage does not apply to
gender roles in other areas. It is focused only on marriage. Also, this is one
passage of teaching about marriage in the Bible. It is not the only one, so we
must be wary of building an entire theology of marriage around this one
passage.
In our
time, families look a little different. Single-parent households continue to
increase in our country. In some marriages, the woman has all the authority and
the man has little say. In other marriages, the man has all the authority and
the woman has little say. Still others have a more cooperative arrangement with
equal authority in the marriage. I don’t want you to get caught up in the
rightful place of authority within this text. As it says, Christ is our
ultimate authority, and we should love like him. How has he loved us? The Bible
is full of those answers, but let’s use a verse from Ephesians for the answer.
Ephesians 5:2 says, “He didn’t love in order to get something but to give
everything of himself to us.” Paul is describing a marital relationship based
on Christ’s love. We do not love a spouse in order to get something. We love a
spouse by giving every part of our selves to the marriage.