And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. 1 Cor. 6:14-18
Dear Lord Jesus, this passage stirs up a bunch of stuff in my heart. I’ve never been more aware of the pervasiveness of sexual brokenness—everywhere I go, everywhere I look, including in the mirror. So many of us bear the wounds, feel the shame, know the power of disconnect, result from sexual brokenness. And yet the gospel dares us to hope.
Indeed, hope—that’s the greater impulse of my heart this morning. In fact, Lord Jesus, as I ponder what Paul was saying to the Corinthians, I am greatly encouraged—even overwhelmed by the assurance of belonging to you, being desired by you, and being “known” by you in the most intimate of all ways.
The most healthy, pure and satisfying intimacy between a husband and wife, it’s just a hint and whisper, of the rich relationship we are meant enjoy with you now, in part, and in fullness when you return. Grant me a greater capacity, Lord to understand and enjoy life in union with you.
Why should we flee all forms of sexual immorality? Simply because it’s what we’re supposed to do as a Christian—only because it’s “the rules”? That would never be enough to keep us from acting out in selfish and destructive ways. We will flee sexual immorality as we see you fleeing to us in the gospel.
You died for us, you’ve been raised for us, and you’ve married yourself to us. We’re already one with you “in spirit,” and we await your return and our resurrection, for the consummation of your relationship with us. Whatever the future and fulfillment of sexuality is, it belongs to you.
Until then, Lord Jesus, help us flee all forms of sexual immorality by fleeing to you—our great and gracious Bridegroom. In our marriages, in our singleness, in our brokenness, in our need for repentance and healing, be glorified. So very Amen we pray in your peerless and powerful name.