‘For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.’ 1 Peter 2:21(NLT)
‘Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. ‘ Matthew 16:24(NLT)
‘So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”’ 1 Peter 1:14-16(NLT)
‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ‘ John 10:27(NLT)
The Old Testament records for us the multiplied failures of the kings of Israel and Judah. Dan Allender comments on how few honored their unique calling.
Far too often the kings compromised truth in making alliances that violated God’s desire. They allowed for worship of the false gods associated with the nations with which they had formed alliances. This led to grave injustice, perversion, and a loss of freedom and safety. This perversion of power was seldom condemned in the cultus, but it was roundly exposed by the prophetic community. Eventually, God cleansed the subversion of his rule by sending his people into exile.
We must be husbands who follow the calling and example not of the Old Testament monarchs, but of the King of Kings. He has called us out of darkness and into the kingdom of light. He is at work in us, conforming us to his image. He does not rescue us from every trial, but sends us through them that we might grow. He is the Servant King who willingly lays down his life for his sheep, but who calls us to take up our cross and follow him. Sometimes he leads us beside still waters; other times he points us toward the valley of the shadow of death. We can resist, but we soon learn that it is better to obey than to kick against the goad.
As husbands we have been assigned the kingly task of leading our wives on our pilgrimage through earth to heaven. We serve her not when we do everything she asks us to do, but when we understand and cooperate with the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in her life. We never see our kingly office as an opportunity for privilege, but as a divine responsibility to lead her as she grows in grace.
from Becoming A Better Husband