Good morning,
“10 women in the Bible who exceeded expectations.
Immediately we can think of women in the Bible like Mary, Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Esther, Ruth, Naomi, Deborah, and Mary Magdalene. But there are others that have only a small appearance in the Bible, some as few as one verse.
While plenty of women in the Bible were strong, capable women, these ladies didn’t sit around waiting for someone else to get the job done. They feared God and lived faithfully. They did what they needed to do.” (Kate Edwards is a School Chaplain, Kid’s Ministry Leader and aspiring Bible Scholar. http://www.thenurturedword.com/)
This week we will look at some of the lesser-known women in the Bible. They will challenge us in our walk with the Lord.
6. Huldah
“After the priest Hilkiah discovered a book of the Law during renovations at Solomon’s Temple, Huldah declared prophetically that the book they found was the authentic word of the Lord. She also prophesied destruction, as the people had not been following the instructions in the book. Yet, she ends with reassurance for King Josiah that he would not see the destruction because of his repentance.
Huldah was married yet also was a prophetess in her own right. She was used by God to declare that the writings found were authentic Scripture. You can find her mentioned in 2 Kings 22 and again in 2 Chronicles 34:22-28.
Huldah in the Bible – 2 Kings 22:14
‘Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Akbor, Shaphan and Asaiah went to speak to the prophet Huldah, who was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. She lived in Jerusalem, in the New Quarter.”
How she exceeded expectations:
Huldah is the only female prophet in the book of Kings. When King Josiah had questions about the book of the Law that was found, his priest, secretary, and attendant went to see Huldah to clarify God’s Word. They trusted that Huldah would prophesy the truth; it didn’t matter that she was a prophetess.”
Why did Hilkiah, the priest, go to Huldah for answers about the book of the law? He was the priest and should have been able to answer the king’s questions.
Could it be for the last 57 years, two evil kings, Manasseh and Amon, did evil in the sight of the Lord. The temple was desecrated, idols were worshipped, Baal worship was reinstituted, innocent blood was shed. They failed to listen to the prophets of God. The book of the law was not read or obeyed. (Kate Edwards is a School Chaplain, Kid’s Ministry Leader and aspiring Bible Scholar. http://www.thenurturedword.com/)
The priests were not taught the law during this time.
God chose Huldah to be His spokesperson. God confirmed that the book they found was the book of the law. Then a prophetic word of judgement was given. The result was repentance from King Josiah, public reading of the book of the law, reforms in obedience to the book of the law. Unfortunately, the obedience to God only lasted through the lifetime of Josiah.
Huldah set in motion the last revival Israel was to see before the Babylonian captivity.
7. Lydia
“Lydia was one of the first converts to Christianity. In Acts 16:14-15, she is described as a worshiper of God and a businesswoman with a family. The Lord opened her heart, and she and her entire household were baptized. She then opened her house to Paul and his companions, offering hospitality to the missionaries.
Lydia in the Bible – Acts 16:14-15
“A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.”
How she exceeded expectations:
Lydia was part of a group that met for prayer by the river; they did not have a synagogue, as synagogues required at least 10 Jewish men. Being a seller of purple cloth, she would have been wealthy; yet, she humbled herself offering hospitality to others. Luke mentions Lydia by name, noting her importance in this record of history.” (Kate Edwards is a School Chaplain, Kid’s Ministry Leader and aspiring Bible Scholar. http://www.thenurturedword.com/)
Lydia challenges us to use what we have for God. A brand new believer, she uses her wealth and home to minister to Paul and his associates. When Paul and Silas are released from jail, Acts 16:40, they went to the house of Lydia.
Not all ministry is preaching and teaching. Prayer, helps, logistics, food, and lodging are required for the gospel message to go forward.
8. Priscilla
“Priscilla, also known as Prisca, was a Jewish woman from Rome who converted to Christianity. Some may point out that she is always mentioned with her husband and never on her own. However, they are always shown as equals in Christ, and the two of them together are remembered as leaders of the early church.
Priscilla in the Bible – Romans 16:3-4
“Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”
Pricilla and Aquila were tentmakers like Paul (Acts 18:3).
Luke also tells us in Acts 18 that when Apollos began to speak in Ephesus it was Priscilla and Aquila together who pulled him aside and explained the Way of God more accurately.
How she exceeded expectations:
Priscilla is an example of how a husband and wife can have an equal partnership in their work for the Lord. She was noted of having equal importance to her husband, both to God and the early church. Here we see the early church respecting husbands and wives working together as useful teachers for the gospel.” (Kate Edwards is a School Chaplain, Kid’s Ministry Leader and aspiring Bible Scholar. http://www.thenurturedword.com/)
Priscilla was a well-trained leader in the first century church. She was a tent maker, a teacher of God’s word, loyal to Paul’s ministry, and wise in correct doctrine.
Does God use women in ministry? YES! Priscilla is commended by Paul for her hard work. She is also faithful to her husband. They work together to see people saved and encouraged in God’s word.
9. Phoebe
“Phoebe was a deacon who served with the overseers/elders of the church. She supported Paul and many others in the work of the Lord. No mention is made of her husband, if she had one.
Phoebe in the Bible – In Romans 16:1-2
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.”
How she exceeded expectations:
Women were not readily given leadership roles during this time, as women were not trusted the same as men in the culture. Her appointment as a servant/deacon shows the trust that was attributed to her by the early church leaders.” (Kate Edwards is a School Chaplain, Kid’s Ministry Leader and aspiring Bible Scholar. http://www.thenurturedword.com/)
Phoebe is a believer in Christ (sister), a servant, and a helper of many. Paul commends her to the Roman church and asks them to receive her and help her in whatever she needs. She had earned the trust of Paul and other firs century church leaders.
Whatever our status in life, we can earn the respect of others by our commitment to Christ. We need to serve others and be willing to give our time, talent, and treasures.
10. The Women Who Witnessed the Resurrection of Christ
During the time of Christ, women were not allowed to be witnesses in the legal sense. Their testimony was not considered credible. Yet, it is women who are recorded in the gospels as the first to see the risen Christ and proclaim him to the rest of the disciples.
The accounts vary across the gospels, and while Mary Magdalene is the first to witness the risen Jesus in all four, the Gospels of Luke and Matthew include other women as witnesses too. Matthew 28:1 includes, “the other Mary,” while Luke 24:10 includes Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women.
How they exceeded expectations:
These women were recorded in history as credible witnesses, in a time when men alone were considered trustworthy. This record has stumped many over the years who assumed the disciples of Jesus made up the resurrection account. (Kate Edwards is a School Chaplain, Kid’s Ministry Leader and aspiring Bible Scholar. http://www.thenurturedword.com/)
Final thoughts…
There are many strong women in the Bible who depended on God more than themselves. Some had to lie to save others, and others broke tradition to do the right thing. Their deeds, as guided by God, are recorded in the Bible for all to read and be inspired by.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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