HOUSE-POET ~

Christ, in His Mediatorial Character and glorified humanity, is at the Head of mankind. He is not only the first of the kind, but Lord and Sovereign. He has a Name above every name: though in this high Office and Authority, He has a Superior, God being His Head. And as God is the Head of Christ and Christ the Head of the whole human kind, so the man is the head of the two genders: not indeed with such dominion as Christ has over the kind or God has over the Man Christ Jesus; but a superiority and headship he has, and the woman should be in subjection and not assume or usurp the man’s place. This is the situation in which God has placed her. For that reason, she should have a mind suited to her rank and not do anything that looks like an affectation of changing places. The man is called the head of the woman because, by God’s Ordinance, he is to rule over her (Genesis 3:16); he has an excellence above the woman, and a power over her. The man is first in order of being and was the first to be formed. The woman was made from him and was created for him, not the other way around, which means he must be the head and chief. This is also reflected in his superior gifts and qualities, such as strength of body and mental endowments, which is why the woman is sometimes called the weaker vessel.
Regarding leadership and authority, the man is the head; just as in the church, Christ is the Head of the church, and the church is subject to Him, the husband is the head of the wife. She is to be subject to him in all things—natural, civil, and religious. The woman was made subject to man because she was created as his helper and comfort. She should not do anything that implies she claims to be equal or superior to the man. Additionally, the man has the responsibility to provide for, care for, nourish, cherish, and protect her from harm. The idea of headship and authority is central in God’s plan. Ultimately, God desires from man a willing submission, which Jesus demonstrated throughout His life. This is also what God seeks from both men and women, though expressed differently. It’s essential to recognise that being under authority does not imply inferiority. Women can choose how they respond to their head: they can follow the example of how men are to Christ—sometimes rebellious, which can be won over, or they can emulate Christ’s loving, willing submission to God the Father, treating Him as an equal. Ultimately, men and women are made to be complements and blessings to each other, not one as a servant and the other as a tyrant. God’s design, as expressed in both divine providence and grace, ensures that authority and submission are meant to foster mutual help and benefit.