Woman after God's own ❤

Olmhinlu · May 2, 2020

gospels said:
Women in Jewish society did not typically carry important roles, which makes their involvement in Jesus’ ministry more radical than normal for the time they lived in. Mary Magdalene was one of the women who stayed with Jesus, even to the Crucifixion. She was also present at the tomb, the first person to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection and the first to preach the “Good News” of that miracle.

It's also an argument for the reliability of the Gospels, because if one were to fabricate stories of a resurrection witness it seems unlikely one would use a woman as the witness.

GospelS · May 6, 2020

Jochebed was the mother of Moses. She also gave birth to Aaron, a high priest. When calamity struck, she cleverly spared her son Moses from death as an infant. She showed great courage and trust in God's faithfulness. She was paid to nurse and care her own son until he grew.

We can only get through our disappointments by turning it over to God. In His gracious way, God gives us the most desirable journey we could ever imagine. Moses was used by God to free his people from slavery and lead them. Like Jochebed, we won't always foresee God's purpose in letting go, but we can trust that His plan is even better.

Olmhinlu · May 6, 2020

@gospels

I've been wrestling with an idea - maybe you have some thoughts. It seems like people are generally motivated by self-interest in choice of a partner (e.g. they're attractive, or more successful, or more spiritual etc ). Is there an argument that Christians should be seeking to help the vulnerable I.e. marry those who need it the most but might be less likely (in worldly terms) to be married (e.g. the disabled, single mothers)?

Following on from that - how can we justify having kids when there are unloved orphans?

GospelS · May 6, 2020

Olmhinlu said:
I've been wrestling with an idea - maybe you have some thoughts. It seems like people are generally motivated by self-interest in choice of a partner (e.g. they're attractive, or more successful, or more spiritual etc ).

When our interest is to be in the center of God's will, we are motivated by God Himself because then our desires and thoughts flow from Him who lives in us. Marriage is about giving oneself cheerfully and sacrificially; one could only do so if they have any interest and choice of freewill. Self-interests could also be God given goals and passions in our making. It does not necessarily mean selfishness or imply immoral. God created all things beautiful and blessed us to take pleasure in His goodness. He desires that we love freely and choose our interests. Having freewill in choice of a partner is a good and a necessary aspect of love. God would like us to be attractive, successful, and spiritual for His Kingdom's glory. Jesus also desires that we, the church, His bride be attractive, successful, and spiritual in every good way. He also prepare us to be so and to present us to Himself as a glorious bride.

Olmhinlu said:
Is there an argument that Christians should be seeking to help the vulnerable I.e. marry those who need it the most but might be less likely (in worldly terms) to be married (e.g. the disabled, single mothers)?

I'm reminded of the commandment of kinsman redeemer in the Old Testament, which also is a pointer to Christ, our final redeemer. This concept is most clearly and beautifully illustrated in the Book of Ruth. In Ruth 3:9, we see a picture of a needy widow, requesting of her kinsman-redeemer that he cover her with his protection, redeem her, and make her his wife. It should be rooted in genuine love. I believe that some men/women are called by God to such purposes even today (not necessarily has to be a closest relative though, since now that we are in Christ). It has it's own risks and people need to be gifted to be able to handle such a challenge.

Olmhinlu said:
Following on from that - how can we justify having kids when there are unloved orphans?

I think it is not for us to justify what God wants to create and bring into this world. It is He who joins two people in a marriage and brings new life. That is God's design for life. However, if any couple chooses not to have children then let it be for a reason that is honorable in the sight of God and not be motivated by greed and lust of the flesh. I, myself consider the idea of adopting some unloved orphans over having my own if I'm lucky enough to have a partner with the same interest.

Olmhinlu · May 6, 2020

@gospels

Thank you for your response. Most of it makes sense to me, except for this:

However, if any couple chooses not to have children then let it be for a reason that is honorable in the sight of God and not be motivated by greed and lust of the flesh.

How does one not have kids because of lust of the flesh? Are you talking about career and "the desires of the eyes and the pride of life" - or something else?

I, myself consider the idea of adopting some unloved orphans over having my own

I think that's noble and good. I hope you do.

bèlla · May 6, 2020

Look up Derek Prince. His marriages were directed by God. The first was to an older woman with adopted children, Lydia Prince. She was instrumental in helping him launch his ministry. The second to Ruth, a former Conservative Jew who aided him in his work in Israel. He describes their relationships in God is a Matchmaker.

Derek never had children of his own. They were all adopted.

~Bella

GospelS · May 6, 2020

Olmhinlu said:
How does one not have kids because of lust of the flesh? Are you talking about career and "the desires of the eyes and the pride of life" - or something else?

Yes. It could be to satisfy their selfish and fleshly desires, some married people might choose not to have any children. They want all to themselves and free from any responsibilities. That kind of motivation is not honorable before God.

Ronit · May 6, 2020

timewerx said:
Sometimes, I think Queen Vashti is the real hero of the story.

She stood up to an evil king - Xerxes while Esther tolerated this evil king.

Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

I see your point.

Ronit · May 6, 2020

LaBèlla said:
Look up Derek Prince. His marriages were directed by God. The first was to an older woman with adopted children, Lydia Prince. She was instrumental in helping him launch his ministry. The second to Ruth, a former Conservative Jew who aided him in his work in Israel. He describes their relationships in God is a Matchmaker.

Derek never had children of his own. They were all adopted.

~Bella

Wow totally cool!

Olmhinlu · May 6, 2020

gospels said:
Some people might choose not to have any children because of very selfish reasons, they want all to themselves and free from any responsibilities of a marriage. That’s what I meant. That kind of motivation is not honorable before God.

Presumably you don't think it's people's job to get married, though, and acknowledge that people could potentially not get married/not have children and still be in God's will?

GospelS · May 6, 2020

Olmhinlu said:
Presumably you don't think it's people's job to get married, though, and acknowledge that people could potentially not get married/not have children and still be in God's will?

Whatever people choose for themselves let it come from a godly motivation and purpose, that still is God’s will.

GospelS · May 7, 2020

Hannah prayed to God that she would be granted a son and in turn, promised to dedicate his life to the service of God. She received a son and didn’t fall short on her promise. She dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord and left him at the temple to serve God “all the days of his life”. One of the most inspiring things about Hannah is the fact that she never gave up hope that God would hear her prayer. Hannah's fervent prayer teaches us that consistent faithfulness and persistent prayer get God's attention.

Olmhinlu · May 7, 2020

Rebekah would be an example, as would Abigail (and Queen Vashti would most definitely not be).

GospelS · May 7, 2020

Olmhinlu said:
Rebekah would be an example, as would Abigail (and Queen Vashti would most definitely not be).

Thanks for sharing.

Olmhinlu · May 7, 2020

gospels said:
Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome

venksta · May 12, 2020

gospels said:
(This thread will discuss the women of God in the Bible. For women in general please see Who is She? and for the women as a wife please see An Excellent Wife).

Thank you @gospels . I hope you will continue to share and give your insight as you continue to study God's word, especially about the many women of faith who inspire God's love for you.

GospelS · May 14, 2020

Disciples were amazed to find Jesus talking to a woman in public. This shows how in some cultures women were not allowed to be heard or spoken to in the public. Jesus’ treatment of women was very different. She had faith that the Messiah will come and teach them everything. Imagine how stunned and excited she must be to find herself speaking to Him whom she waited for, that He Himself had come seeking her, reached out and offered her living water for her thirst soul. She became one of the first mass evangelists for Jesus Christ. She was able to confront her past truthfully and transform into a motivating witness for the Lord.

venksta · May 14, 2020

gospels said:
Disciples were amazed to find Jesus talking to a woman in public. This shows how in some cultures women were not allowed to be heard or spoken to in the public. Jesus’ treatment of women was very different. She had faith that the Messiah will come and teach them everything. Imagine how stunned and excited she must be to find herself speaking to Him whom she waited for, that He Himself had come seeking her, reached out and offered her living water for her thirst soul. She became one of the first mass evangelists for Jesus Christ. She was able to confront her past truthfully and transform into a motivating witness for the Lord.

Thank you for sharing. I never looked at the perspective, that Jesus sought this woman out at the well. I always imagined, they met randomly. But I know God doesn't work like that. I now have a new question to ask, when I study these types of encounters. Bless you for your words.

Radagast · May 14, 2020

gospels said:
Disciples were amazed to find Jesus talking to a woman in public.

Are you talking about John 4?

I've never been sure whether it was about her being a woman, or if the disciples (having been in town and picked up local gossip) had been told she was an "immoral" woman.

gospels said:
She was able to confront her past truthfully and transform into a motivating witness for the Lord.

Indeed. And her present as well (John 4:18).

venksta · May 14, 2020

Radagast said:
Are you talking about John 4?

I've never been sure whether it was about her being a woman, or if the disciples (having been in town and picked up local gossip) had been told she was an "immoral" woman.

I believe her being a Samaritan was also a sort of taboo. I'm not sure the exact history, by they were viewed as a lower caste of Jewish people. Jesus' disciples would view them that way as well. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, or if you can clarify further.

Woman after God's own ❤

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