As a second grader, a group of us from different backgrounds had theological discussions–Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Assembly of God. The conversation that remains with me to this day is, “If God made us with 2 eyes, 2 ears–2 of all these things–do they match?” We went around and around about whether each of us had matching eyes, ears, hands, feet. With time, some of us became popular, some were smarter than others, some were cheerleaders, flute players, ag lovers. I can easily answer that question now, but I couldn’t then.

There is that same level of naivete among many in churches and it sounds like this, “If people are married, surely they love each other. Marriage reflects Christ and the church, therefore abuse (or oppression) in marriage doesn’t exist.”

And I would bring the same answer to both arguments. Yes, each of us has 2 eyes, but because of sin, they are not the same. There are similarities, but one eye may have a different ability to see than the other. They aren’t even the same size. Our hands and feet are similar, but they are not the same. And in marriage, although God intends it to be a picture of Christ and the church, sin has marred and perverted the heart, mind, body and soul. A marriage certificate, vow, or covenant does not negate sin in the same way a birth certificate does not negate defects. They are simply a confirmation of fact.

Those who fail to acknowledge sinfulness based on biblical roles or rights are simply deceiving themselves–for many reasons.

But Jesus knows. He sees. He is not misled, niave, or deceived. He knows, hears, and understands the cry of the oppressed and needy, regardless of their station or situation. Be sure, you are not alone.

God, hurry to save me;
Lord, hurry to help me!
May those who seek my life
Be put to shame and humiliated;
May those who delight in my harm
Be turned back and dishonored.
May those who say, “Aha, aha!” be turned back
Because of their shame.

May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
And may those who love Your salvation say continually,
“May God be exalted!”
But I am afflicted and needy;
Hurry to me, God!
You are my help and my savior;
Lord, do not delay. (Psalm 70)