Likewise, 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 . . . 1 Peter 3:7a

Peter was married. We know that because Jesus cured the apostle's mother-in-law.

Having read the above text in 1 Peter, the line about women being "the weaker vessel," has often made me wonder if Peter ever really took a serious look at the woman he called, "his wife." I've seen my wife, Pam -- and a whole lot of other women -- put up with pain and carry problems, which would have broken the strongest of men. In this respect, women certainly don't appear to be the weaker vessel.

Things aren't always what they appear to be.

Consider the story of Johana Ortiz. Ortiz became pregnant and then her husband, Melvin, was sent overseas to Iraq. She went through the entire pregnancy without her partner. Then word came in that her hubby was returning home. Her only problem was their baby gave every indication he was ready to ruin the festivities.

Ortiz went into labor and the doctors said she should "stay put." To that Johana Ortiz, the weaker vessel, said, "I don't think so."

Against her doctor's orders, Ortiz drove three hours to meet her husband's plane at Camp Douglas. He was ordered to get off the plane first. He did. He then rushed to his wife, hugged her, and jumped in a car and drove to the hospital. Shortly afterward, she gave birth to their son, Eduardo.

The weaker vessel? Things aren't always what they appear to be.

That same thing could be said about Jesus.

After all, He was more than He appeared to be. Jesus appeared to be a rabbi, a teacher from Nazareth. He was far more than that. He was God's Son, the only perfect Person who has ever lived. He was our Redeemer and our Sacrifice, living a perfect life for us, suffering for us, carrying our sins, and dying the death which should have been ours.

Look at Jesus, and He appears to be a young carpenter. But He was -- and is -- so much more.

He is our Savior, our Forgiver of sin, our Giver of eternity.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord God, how sad it is the world doesn't really see the Savior and all He has done for them. I pray You will send the Holy Spirit to the lost of this world so they may recognize Jesus and receive the forgiveness His sacrifice and resurrection provides. This I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 1-2    Luke 2:1-24

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