Monday, 3 November 2014
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 1 Corinthians 11:7
The words thus far on this subject have been referring to the relation between women, men, and Christ as pertaining to the church, and order within the church. Now and for a few verses, they will refer to the relation between women, men, and Christ as pertaining to creation and order within creation. It is a switch to the concept of the woman in relation to the man who is created in the “image and glory of God.” For this reason, man should not cover his head.
This then is the answer to the problem addressed in verse 4. Because man is created in God’s image he should reflect that image when he is performing one of the two awesome duties of praying or prophesying. However, “woman is the glory of man.” This indicates her glory (it does not say “image”) is once-removed from God. Does this in any way contradict Genesis 1:27?
In that verse it says –
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
The answer is, “No, this is not a contradiction.” Paul only says woman is the “glory” of man. If “image” were implied in this context, the fact would still remain that woman is in the image of man and man is in the image of God. This would indirectly mean woman is in the image of God. We can see that Paul is carefully using his words to show that the creation account itself supports his directives concerning covering one’s head while praying or prophesying.
The Pulpit commentary once again describes the relationship quite eloquently –
“As moonlight is to sunlight, or as the earthshine is to the moonshine. Man reflects God; woman, in her general nature in this earthly and temporal dispensation, reflects the glory of man.”
Life application: Nothing demeaning or spiteful is flowing from the pen of Paul as he gives his directives for men and women in the church. Rather, that which is most glorifying to God is his intent. Because this is so, to reject his words is to deny God the glory which is intended for God in his words. Let us not be found in such an untenable position.
The words of the Bible are meant to show God’s glory
The directives found there are for that intent and aim
And so as we peruse the wondrous redemption story
Let us consider our actions as bringing glory to His name
When we stray from the words intended for us to follow
We then deny Him His just and rightful due
That is certainly a horrid pill to taste or to swallow
And so, to His word, let us be faithful and true
He will reward us in due time for adherence to His word
And nothing we do in His name will He overlook
And so in everything we do, let us glorify our Lord
By following the directives that have been given in His book
Lord, even if the whole world comes against me and cries out “tolerance!” towards sin, if Your word says otherwise, then I will stand on Your word. You have shown what conduct is acceptable and what is to be deplored and spoken against. But everywhere, people are caving in to societal pressure and towards that which is unholy and profane. Give me strength to endure even if it costs me my freedom or my life. Your word, O God, is my light and Christ is my true life. Amen.