“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” –Ephesians 5:21
Weekend before last I was blessed to officiate Davey and Rachel (Cosby) Scism’s wedding ceremony up in Greenville — such a special honor for my wife Michelle and I to be there on their big day!
What follows is the devotion I shared during the service.
“Most of you know that Rachel is a fierce competitor. Back in 2016, she made history on the soccer field, scoring not one, not two, not three, but four goals in the SC State Championship match — leading Chapin High School to their first state championship in girl’s soccer.
Michelle and I were witnesses of a truly legendary, unforgettable performance.
But as incredible as those four goals were, (and they were incredible!) they do not come close to matching what God is doing here today.
Davey, I think it’s safe to say that by winning Rachel’s heart and standing here as her ‘about to be’ husband, you have completely outscored her. You’re about to walk away with the prize of a lifetime.
And Rachel, you’re not leaving the field empty-handed either. Oh no. The truth is, you’re scoring something way more substantial than a State Champion’s Medal. Today, you’ve won an amazing husband who has pledged his life, his loyalty, and his sacred honor to you.
Ephesians 5 is a passage that shows us how marriage puts the Gospel of Jesus Christ on full display for all to see.
The Apostle Paul starts with a command that sets the tone for everything else: ‘Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.’ You see, in the Kingdom of God, victory isn’t about dominating the other person; it is found in mutual submission. It’s the beautiful, daily rhythm of Rachel and Davey putting each other first, laying down selfish ambitions, and working together as ultimate teammates.
Then in that same passage, the bar for husbands is raised to a staggering height. ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.’
That verse points us to the heart of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t just cheer for us from the stands or from the sidelines. No. He stepped onto the field of human history and gave everything on the cross to redeem us, to cleanse us, and to win us as His Bride.
That is sacrificial love. It is a love that doesn’t ask, ‘What can I get?’ but asks, ‘What can I give?’
So Davey, as we all celebrate you winning Rachel today, your holy calling now is to mirror the sacrificial love of Jesus. Love Rachel when it’s easy, and love her when it requires sacrifice. Lay down your life to serve, protect, and cherish her.
And Rachel, as you respond to that boundless love from Davey, submit to his leadership as you both submit to Christ, storming the field of faith side-by-side as forever teammates.
Your greatest victories from this day forward will not be shown on a stadium scoreboard. They will be won in the quiet, daily moments of forgiveness, grace, and mutual honor. Davey and Rachel, may your marriage always reflect the beautiful, sacrificial love of the Savior who gave everything to win you!”
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