Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 31:30.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Yesterday we read about Queen Esther, today we have a verse about godly women in general. It’s easy to see that women were not given the status they deserve in many times and cultures, but scripture tells us this is wrong and there are numerous examples in God’s word to show us this lesson.
My first thought on this is who did Jesus first appear to after His resurrection? Mary Magdalene, not Peter or John or any of the disciples. Look back to the genealogy of Jesus and you will find godly women included during a time that women weren’t traditionally mentioned in these lists. In the Old Testament we hear of Deborah who was a Judge over Israel before the time of King David (Judges 4).
Even Paul, who sometimes said confusing things about women, relied on their help and ministry at the places he planted churches. He mentions numerous women in Romans 16, which begins “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae,” (Romans 16:1). I’d like to think that Paul changed his opinion about women as God led him on his missions. In any case, God has a place and a plan for all His children. We are all called to go in His name to share the Good News.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the way we divide ourselves according to our characteristics. Help us to see how much alike we all are and to understand our differences as gifts. Amen.
