Women of Faith

There are plenty of places in the Bible where women mistreat each other - most often in complicity with the patriarchy that ruled the culture (think of the number of times wives were played off against one another, for example). But in the story of Deborah in Judges 4 women support women. In fact, it sets a trajectory for what true community looks like.

Deborah calls out Yael’s accomplishments, calls her “blessed amongst women” (Judges 5:24), and freely tells her story to the gathered crowd. There’s a similar type of cheering that we see by the author of Song of Songs as she blesses other young women, and there’s a similar encouragement and public blessing between Elizabeth and Mary in Luke 1. There’s a form of mutual aid we see in Ruth 1-4 between Ruth and Naomi, one bringing mentoring to the table and the other bringing provision. That mentoring relationship is echoed in the book of Titus, and that provision shows up again in the financial partnership for the sake of mission that we see in the disciples of Jesus (Mary, Susanna, Joanna, and others) in Luke 8. There’s the partnership in justice that we see in Shiprah and Push in Exodus 1, and the list goes on.

If you are familiar with these women, reflect on how they stand by each other and for each other and with each other in the work of God. What’s standing out to you today - which pairing strikes you most and why? What might the Spirit be saying to you?

If you are unfamiliar with these women, reflect on why they’ve been overlooked in your spiritual journey. How might you learn more about them? What else might the Spirit be asking of you when it comes to following the examples of women of faith?