Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur
Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur
These women were recorded in the Bible for their courage, compassion, and spiritual giftedness. I's no wonder women were so often part of God's plan. It was their faith that made these women extraordinary, faith in the power of the God whom they worshipped and served.
Introduction
The women spoken of were not extraordinary because of their qualities but because God is great! (Gives us ladies pause to think huh?)
All women in the Bible point us to the person of Christ – awesome calling! But the Bible never demeans or belittles women. It is not a second class citizenship the Bible portrays for women that are documented in it. The Bible gives the command to honor your father and mother. This came at a time when other cultures thought of women as property and not as people to be honored.
Chapter 1 Eve
When most people think of Eve they think of the fall of man. The Bible never speaks of her looks, how many children she had or how long she lived.
Eve was God’s definition of femininity, before sin. We get so wrapped up in image, cosmetics and body shape, even within the church, we fail to see what God has set before us as an example.
Eve is depicted as subordinate yet equal. A relationship which the Trinity illustrates perfectly how the headship and submission function within a relationship of absolute equals
Eve was created out of man’s flesh. No other being is ever recorded as being created from other flesh. It causes us to reflect on the unity of marriage as the two shall be one. Women are called weaker vessels in the Bible. This does not mean lesser. The Bible is clear that each has its own responsibilities and abilities. The male is to care and shelter, while the female carries the young and is the nurturer.
Chapter 2 - Sarah
Sarah was considered a legendary beauty. Kings were impressed with her beauty when she was in her sixties they wanted her for a wife. She would have known about the promise God gave to Abraham. Being barren would have compounded her frustration.
She made a mistake by giving Hagar to Abraham that he would become a father by her. When this happened she became so jealous she threw out both Hagar and Ishmael the offspring she was hoping to procure for Abraham.
This occurred again with Isaac and Jacob each having two wives, King David having more than one and Solomon having over 1,000 concubines.
Despite these outbursts of temper and ill-conceived plans, the Bible says she judged Him faithful who had promised. Heb 11:11.
Chapter 3 – Rahab
Rahab was a harlot. It is assumed that Rahab was a willing participant in this sin. She was living off her culture’s insatiable hedonistic appetite.
Yet she is part of the lineage of Christ. And in Hebrews it says Rahab the harlot by faith did not perish with those of unbelief by receiving the spies in peace. What a awesome thing to be said of a person, their faith is what made them special!!!
Chapter 4- Ruth
In Ruth’s story we find her as her husband had died and her mother-in-law, Naomi, is preparing to return to Israel. Naomi tells Ruth to stay and remarry, but Ruth is totally committed to her mother-in-law.
Again it is the faith Ruth displays that makes her such a compelling character.
These women were recorded in the Bible for their courage, compassion, and spiritual giftedness. I's no wonder women were so often part of God's plan. It was their faith that made these women extraordinary, faith in the power of the God whom they worshipped and served.
Introduction
The women spoken of were not extraordinary because of their qualities but because God is great! (Gives us ladies pause to think huh?)
All women in the Bible point us to the person of Christ – awesome calling! But the Bible never demeans or belittles women. It is not a second class citizenship the Bible portrays for women that are documented in it. The Bible gives the command to honor your father and mother. This came at a time when other cultures thought of women as property and not as people to be honored.
Chapter 1 Eve
When most people think of Eve they think of the fall of man. The Bible never speaks of her looks, how many children she had or how long she lived.
Eve was God’s definition of femininity, before sin. We get so wrapped up in image, cosmetics and body shape, even within the church, we fail to see what God has set before us as an example.
Eve is depicted as subordinate yet equal. A relationship which the Trinity illustrates perfectly how the headship and submission function within a relationship of absolute equals
Eve was created out of man’s flesh. No other being is ever recorded as being created from other flesh. It causes us to reflect on the unity of marriage as the two shall be one. Women are called weaker vessels in the Bible. This does not mean lesser. The Bible is clear that each has its own responsibilities and abilities. The male is to care and shelter, while the female carries the young and is the nurturer.
Chapter 2 - Sarah
Sarah was considered a legendary beauty. Kings were impressed with her beauty when she was in her sixties they wanted her for a wife. She would have known about the promise God gave to Abraham. Being barren would have compounded her frustration.
She made a mistake by giving Hagar to Abraham that he would become a father by her. When this happened she became so jealous she threw out both Hagar and Ishmael the offspring she was hoping to procure for Abraham.
This occurred again with Isaac and Jacob each having two wives, King David having more than one and Solomon having over 1,000 concubines.
Despite these outbursts of temper and ill-conceived plans, the Bible says she judged Him faithful who had promised. Heb 11:11.
Chapter 3 – Rahab
Rahab was a harlot. It is assumed that Rahab was a willing participant in this sin. She was living off her culture’s insatiable hedonistic appetite.
Yet she is part of the lineage of Christ. And in Hebrews it says Rahab the harlot by faith did not perish with those of unbelief by receiving the spies in peace. What a awesome thing to be said of a person, their faith is what made them special!!!
Chapter 4- Ruth
In Ruth’s story we find her as her husband had died and her mother-in-law, Naomi, is preparing to return to Israel. Naomi tells Ruth to stay and remarry, but Ruth is totally committed to her mother-in-law.
Again it is the faith Ruth displays that makes her such a compelling character.
posted by RLTilman at 7:02 AM
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