A Great Falling Away
The Scriptures warn of a great apostasy that will occur in the end times. We are also warned that God Himself will send a strong delusion so that those who do not receive the truth will be damned.
It is time to take heed for ourselves and for the doctrines we espouse. This is no time to be lukewarm or to believe that as long as we claim to be "Christians" it won't matter what we believe and how we live.
These are the times when the Bride of Christ makes herself ready; when the wise virgins ensure they are prepared.
May your lamps be filled with oil and your hearts await the coming of the Bridegroom, listening intently for His call.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
New Message Board Feature
Introducing the Latter Days Message Board
A number of you have asked about better ways to communicate with us and each other. In response, we have added a message board functionality to the site. Registration is required in order to participate, but it is open for all who wish to use it.
While a link is provided below, a permanent link has been added to the right-hand navigation bar.
Latter Days Ministry Message Board
A number of you have asked about better ways to communicate with us and each other. In response, we have added a message board functionality to the site. Registration is required in order to participate, but it is open for all who wish to use it.
While a link is provided below, a permanent link has been added to the right-hand navigation bar.
Latter Days Ministry Message Board
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Right To Kill My Child
When Man Determines that He is God
In the news currently is the story of the Hauser family. The son Daniel has Hodgkins Lymphoma and after one Chemo session, he and his family decided that they no longer want to pursue this treatment option. Instead, they want to pursue alternative methods of cancer treatment.
Those who follow this blog may understand why this is particularly interesting to me. I am a cancer survivor and have previously shared my story about how Jesus Christ led me to a natural, alternative approach to treating cancer. They claimed that without chemo and radiation, I would die. Yet they didn't know that without Jesus, I could not live.
Similar claims are being made about Daniel Hauser. Without chemo, they say, he will die. I have no knowledge of course about whether he will live or die - either with or without chemo - and neither do they! Yet, I do find this entire story rather interesting.
The courts have decided that he (nor his parents) have a right to make a choice about what course of treatment he should take. They have mandated that he will take the chemo sessions, even if it means removing him from his parents and placing him in foster care.
In fear, the mother Colleen is now on the run with her son, seeking alternative care in Mexico. There is a manhunt underway for these "fugitives" as the U.S. government seeks to bring him back for treatment. Makes you wonder. Are they going to tie him down, squeeze his nose shut, and force his mouth open as well? Or maybe they will just strap him in and jab the needle into his arm?
This decision by our courts and the effort by our government seems somewhat puzzling, if not hypocritical to me. Is this not a country where I have the right to kill my children if I want to? Aren't we as a society butchering over 1 million babies a year? Why all of a sudden is there such a concern about life? Or maybe it is not about life at all, and much less about poor Daniel and his family?
I cannot say what treatment Daniel should have and I agree that the government has a role in keeping the well-being of society. Yet where is the line drawn? Is the government saying that the decisions they make for our children have more authority than our own?
Some may say that this is "reasonable" action by our government. But what happens when you no longer consider their decisions reasonable? Schools are being turned into pharmacies as they dispense birth control without parental consent. We are being told that young girls even have the right to an abortion without parental consent.
What happens when the government says that your obligation to do what they say trumps your choice to pursue another solution? When children are "emancipated" to protect their individual rights (although apparently not the right to life in a womb)?
What happens when the thoughts of man become elevated as God, and those who believe otherwise are seen as a threat to themselves and others?
I know nothing of the Hauser family's beliefs, but what I can see is a continued focus by the media on religious "extremists", "cults", and "fringe groups". Ideals of faith are being continuously juxtaposed against reason in an effort to make people of faith appear not only illogical but dangerous fanatics. In the latter days, the Christian is the enemy to peace and order. The Christian becomes the "hater". Yet, we know that this was all foretold.
Jesus said, "Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." (John 16:2b)
No one knows whether Daniel Hauser will live or die, even with chemo. I pray that he is cured and his health restored. Yet whether he lives or dies is not something that man can say with any determination. Increasingly society operates more and more as if there is no hope for man outside of man. In a Godless society where faith in God is an alien and unwelcome concept, all we are left are the imaginations and contentions of man presented as "undisputed fact".
"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5
Look at the next two videos to see how the media perverts the real issues in order to present a bias against faith in the public eye.
Learn more about "Big Pharma" and their marketing of drugs to consumers. People need to remember that these are companies needing to make a profit. They are not altruistic organizations dedicated to healing the sick. They are businesses trying to sell their products.
Efforts by drug companies to expand the market and increase profits by using "Me Too" drugs in a battle of the brands. These companies will even cannibalize their own drug markets by repackaging virtually the same drug as new and marketing it to the same audience.
Did you know that it is also common practice for drug companies to repackage existing drugs as "new" drugs in order to target different illnesses? This allows them to reach a broader audience of consumers and increase profits. Watch this video to find out more.
Under the guise of "education", pharma companies' use of direct consumer marketing may be resulting in the over-medication of society. There is a push to prescribe that is unhealthy. This is even made worse by the gifts and freebies given to doctors as soon as they enter medical school.
Watch this video to understand how pharma companies influence government entities and medical schools. The pharma lobby is the largest in the country.
Watch this video to see how drug company-sponsored "clinical trials" pose HUGE ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest. The pharma companies design the studies and control the data for 90% of the clinical trials testing the efficacy of their drugs. The FDA relies on these results for drug approval. Further, the medical journal publications from "experts" touting the benefits of these drugs are often from doctors who have financial ties to the drug company.
In the news currently is the story of the Hauser family. The son Daniel has Hodgkins Lymphoma and after one Chemo session, he and his family decided that they no longer want to pursue this treatment option. Instead, they want to pursue alternative methods of cancer treatment.
Those who follow this blog may understand why this is particularly interesting to me. I am a cancer survivor and have previously shared my story about how Jesus Christ led me to a natural, alternative approach to treating cancer. They claimed that without chemo and radiation, I would die. Yet they didn't know that without Jesus, I could not live.
Similar claims are being made about Daniel Hauser. Without chemo, they say, he will die. I have no knowledge of course about whether he will live or die - either with or without chemo - and neither do they! Yet, I do find this entire story rather interesting.
The courts have decided that he (nor his parents) have a right to make a choice about what course of treatment he should take. They have mandated that he will take the chemo sessions, even if it means removing him from his parents and placing him in foster care.
In fear, the mother Colleen is now on the run with her son, seeking alternative care in Mexico. There is a manhunt underway for these "fugitives" as the U.S. government seeks to bring him back for treatment. Makes you wonder. Are they going to tie him down, squeeze his nose shut, and force his mouth open as well? Or maybe they will just strap him in and jab the needle into his arm?
This decision by our courts and the effort by our government seems somewhat puzzling, if not hypocritical to me. Is this not a country where I have the right to kill my children if I want to? Aren't we as a society butchering over 1 million babies a year? Why all of a sudden is there such a concern about life? Or maybe it is not about life at all, and much less about poor Daniel and his family?
I cannot say what treatment Daniel should have and I agree that the government has a role in keeping the well-being of society. Yet where is the line drawn? Is the government saying that the decisions they make for our children have more authority than our own?
Some may say that this is "reasonable" action by our government. But what happens when you no longer consider their decisions reasonable? Schools are being turned into pharmacies as they dispense birth control without parental consent. We are being told that young girls even have the right to an abortion without parental consent.
What happens when the government says that your obligation to do what they say trumps your choice to pursue another solution? When children are "emancipated" to protect their individual rights (although apparently not the right to life in a womb)?
What happens when the thoughts of man become elevated as God, and those who believe otherwise are seen as a threat to themselves and others?
I know nothing of the Hauser family's beliefs, but what I can see is a continued focus by the media on religious "extremists", "cults", and "fringe groups". Ideals of faith are being continuously juxtaposed against reason in an effort to make people of faith appear not only illogical but dangerous fanatics. In the latter days, the Christian is the enemy to peace and order. The Christian becomes the "hater". Yet, we know that this was all foretold.
Jesus said, "Yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." (John 16:2b)
No one knows whether Daniel Hauser will live or die, even with chemo. I pray that he is cured and his health restored. Yet whether he lives or dies is not something that man can say with any determination. Increasingly society operates more and more as if there is no hope for man outside of man. In a Godless society where faith in God is an alien and unwelcome concept, all we are left are the imaginations and contentions of man presented as "undisputed fact".
"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5
Look at the next two videos to see how the media perverts the real issues in order to present a bias against faith in the public eye.
Learn more about "Big Pharma" and their marketing of drugs to consumers. People need to remember that these are companies needing to make a profit. They are not altruistic organizations dedicated to healing the sick. They are businesses trying to sell their products.
Efforts by drug companies to expand the market and increase profits by using "Me Too" drugs in a battle of the brands. These companies will even cannibalize their own drug markets by repackaging virtually the same drug as new and marketing it to the same audience.
Did you know that it is also common practice for drug companies to repackage existing drugs as "new" drugs in order to target different illnesses? This allows them to reach a broader audience of consumers and increase profits. Watch this video to find out more.
Under the guise of "education", pharma companies' use of direct consumer marketing may be resulting in the over-medication of society. There is a push to prescribe that is unhealthy. This is even made worse by the gifts and freebies given to doctors as soon as they enter medical school.
Watch this video to understand how pharma companies influence government entities and medical schools. The pharma lobby is the largest in the country.
Watch this video to see how drug company-sponsored "clinical trials" pose HUGE ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest. The pharma companies design the studies and control the data for 90% of the clinical trials testing the efficacy of their drugs. The FDA relies on these results for drug approval. Further, the medical journal publications from "experts" touting the benefits of these drugs are often from doctors who have financial ties to the drug company.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Don't Forget Deborah - Part 3
This article is part of a series that might be better understood if you start at the first article.
The Beauty of Submission
In the previous articles, we searched the Scriptures to establish that the authority of God is patriarchal. We also examined the story of the judge, Deborah, as the epitome of a woman in service to the Lord: one who was wise, prudent, proclaimed God's word and supported the patriarchy of God.
What then is the purpose for which woman was created and why is it so critical that she submit to man? One could simply say, "God commanded woman to submit to the man, and that's enough." While that is accurate, God doesn't do things arbitrarily. There is a reason for everything He does...even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:9, Romans 11:34).
"And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Genesis 2:18
We stated earlier how the woman must submit to man as a result of Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. However, notice that her purpose in providing companionship for, and being a help to, man was part of God's original plan. From the beginning, woman was created for man (not man for woman).
The question then becomes, "How is the woman to help the man?" In answering that we find understanding for the role she is to serve and why submission is necessary.
The Heart of the Matter
"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Genesis 2:21-23
When God was creating woman, He took one of Adam's ribs in order to form her. This small point is not insignificant. Again, God does everything for a reason.
The ribs provide one main function: protection for the heart and the lungs. Both the heart and lungs are critical to the life of the body, yet the nature of their work requires that these organs be soft, delicate, and pliable (and thereby in need of protection).
The heart keeps blood flowing, ensuring that life reaches other parts of the body. It also provides a place of refreshing where the blood can get re-oxygenated or revived in order to continue its work. As such, the heart needs to be sensitive and flexible enough to the respond to the body's electrical impulses regarding contraction in order to keep the blood pumping. It is strong and is one of the largest muscles in the human body. It is an involuntary muscle meaning we do not have to consciously tell the heart to beat. It is created to anticipate the needs of the body and does so automatically.
The lungs are the place where gas exchange occurs within the human body; it collects the oxygen needed to give energy to the blood and expels toxins such as carbon dioxide. Similar to the heart, the lungs must be elastic enough to inflate/deflate as needed to support the inhaling and exhaling of air. Again, the lungs are involuntary muscles and expand/contract without willful thought by nature of their design.
The heart and lungs work around the clock, processing on average 8,000 - 9,000 liters of blood and air respectively a day. When they don't work properly, it impacts the whole body's ability to function as it should.
Understanding the functional purpose that these delicate organs serve and how vital their work is to the health of the body, it is clear to see why God - in His infinite wisdom - encased the heart and lungs under the protection of the ribs.
The Air We Breathe
God made Eve from Adam's rib; the part of his body that supports and protects his heart and lungs. The analogy is that the woman is the "heart and lungs", while the man is the "ribcage" which protects her.
Scripture says that the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). So when we discuss the functions of the heart and lungs, we are specifically addressing those organs needed to sustain and promote life in the body. This is a parallel to who woman is and what she does.
Is a woman's role only relevant to a husband and wife relationship? No! It has nothing to do with being married or having children. We are speaking of how God has designed women with the primary purpose of her carrying and supporting life - in all areas. Woman is a life-giver whether dealing with the family of her parents, the family of her husband, or the family of God. This is simply who she is and it can be expressed via the role of a wife, a mother, and/or a handmaiden to the Lord.
Let's look at this more closely.
There is a saying that the woman is the "heart of the home." Notice that she is the heart of the "home", not the heart of a house. In other words, a woman makes a house a home by what she brings to it. She is the life force in the home, both spiritually and physically.
"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Proverbs 14:1
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:15
The Hebrew word for Eve is Chavvah which means "life". The woman is the one who propagates and regenerates life; she physically nurtures and gives birth to life, but she is also a spiritual life-giver.
The same attributes a woman physically provides to a baby in the the womb is what the woman brings spiritually to other environments: nourishment, sustenance, nurturing, insulation, warmth, comfort, a place conducive for growth, etc.
Whether one is ever a mother physically or not, like Deborah, a woman can serve as a spiritual mother to God's people.
A Breath of Fresh Air
As a life-giver, the woman is to the family what the Holy Spirit is to the Church. The word "spirit" in the New Testament is the Greek work pneuma, which means "air". The Holy Spirit is a Comforter; births and raises God's children for Him; and pursues only the will of the Father. He is an intercessor between the God and His children, and grieves/mourns when the children go astray. The Holy Spirit never seeks attention for Himself, but works to direct all eyes to God.
Like the work of the lungs in providing oxygen to give life to the body, the spirit the woman carries determines whether she brings life or death wherever she goes.
"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." Proverbs 12:4
Look at how closely tied the state of the woman is to the health and well-being of her husband. The right attitude is a crowning glory, a contrary one is a sickness.
"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." Proverbs 21:9
"It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." Proverbs 21:19
"It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house." Proverbs 25:24
"A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike." Proverbs 27:15
Is God picking on women here? No, He is trying to help us understand how the disposition of a woman can affect everything around her. One of the strongest evidences to woman as a definer of the atmosphere is seen in the verse below.
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." I Peter 3:1-2
The right spirit in a woman is enough to even convert an unbelieving husband. Why? It is the witness of how she lives her life that is the testimony. The woman's spirit affects the quality of the air (or the atmosphere)...whether for good or for evil.
A Place of Refreshing
The woman is to be a place of refreshing for the man, both physically and spiritually.
"Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love." Proverbs 5:18-19
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." Proverbs 18:22
"Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:9
An Inner Strength and Might
Because the heart and lungs are delicately constructed, you might look at them and assume that they are weak organs. However, we know from the amount of blood and air they process that they are in fact very resilient. The strength of these organs then is not something that is relayed in physical appearance; it is an inner strength.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10
The word for virtuous in that text is the Hebrew word "chayil" which means: strength, might, efficiency, wealth, force, army.
It is not that God created woman to be without strength. He created her to show strength in a different way. What is the evidence of a woman's strength, wealth, and might? It is found in her virtue. Such, according to God, is priceless.
Symbiotic Alignment
Both the heart and lungs are involuntary muscles meaning that they are designed to support the body in an almost unnoticed way. We don't have to tell the heart and lungs what to do. They are sensitive and responsive enough to the inputs from the body to anticipate what is needed. The heart and lungs work without us being consciously aware that they are actually doing what they do.
So to is the woman designed to be in support of others. She anticipates the needs of her family and moves to meet those needs.
"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD." Proverbs 19:4
The word prudent here is the Hebrew word sakal which means "to wisely understand, to have insight, to be circumspect, to comprehend".
"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:11-12
There is a common bond built upon trust because the husband knows that she will always strive to do good. This allows them to work together, complementing each other as they accomplish the work set before them.
Industrious Nature
The heart and the lungs are always working, multi-tasking, 24/7. Women are also designed to be productive, hard workers.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27
"Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house" Psalms 128:3a
"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar." Proverbs 31:13-14
"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." Proverbs 31:16-19
Remember, woman is a life-giver. This is not limited to the marital relationship; it is who she was created to be. This same work ethic and diligence is to be used for the benefit of the church and those in need.
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus" Romans 16:3
"Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us." Romans 16:6
"Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. " Romans 16:12
"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20
A woman is to be busy with the things of God so that she is not caught up in things that steal life rather than promoting it.
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing." Proverbs 9:13
"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." I Timothy 5:11-13
"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5
Delicate and Pliable
Like the heart and lungs, the nature of woman's role requires that she be delicate and pliable. She needs to be sensitive to the needs of those around her. She is given intuition to anticipate the needs of others. She needs to be tender in order to nurture. She needs to be delicate in order to show forth gentleness. She needs to be pliable so that she can adjust to the changing demands of her family.
While being in the critical role of a life-giver, we know that the Scriptures indicate that woman is the weaker vessel.
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. " I Peter 3:7
As we saw above, "weakness" does not mean an absence of strength. It simply denotes that she requires protection so that she can do the work God has purposed for her.
Further, notice that the husband's responsibility to the wife is one of giving her "honor". The role of a husband in protecting the wife is not an insult. On the contrary, it is a manifestation of his understanding and appreciation of the role she plays as his help.
True Gender Equality
Woman is equal to man. The woman was taken from the side of man; not from his head as if she is his authority, and not from his foot as is she is beneath him. This does not mean, however that they can - or were even made to - serve in the same roles.
Consider Jesus. He is equal to God and equally God (John 5:18; Philemon 2:6). Yet, His role is one of a Son in relation to God. This requires that Jesus submit Himself to the authority of His Father. It is not His will that He does, but that of His Father. He must obey, He must submit, He must reverence His Father because His role demands it. This does not make Him any less God.
The woman is called to respect and reverence the man; the man is called to love and honor the woman. This makes perfect sense. Remember, God has a reason for everything He does. Woman respects man because - as the ribs - he is in the position of taking the hard blows of life. He is called to lay down his life each day so as to protect the woman (Ephesians 5:25). In turn, understanding how essential her role is to completing what he is called to do, the man loves and honors the woman in appreciation for her tireless efforts to support him and his work.
Please see the comparison. We reverence Jesus because He is worthy. Why is He worthy? He laid down His life for His bride (Revelations 5:1-10). He took the hard blows for us (His Bride) in paying a debt that we were unable, and were not created, to pay. In turn, He loves and honors us because we have submitted to his authority and allowed Him to work through us to accomplish his work of saving souls.
How can you appreciate and reverence the magnificence of Jesus' sacrifice and yet at the same time despise the reflection of that same sacrifice as depicted in the role of man? You cannot. When you reject the patriarchal order of God, you simultaneously reject the Lordship of Jesus Christ Himself.
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30-31
Does a Godly woman love God's people, her husband, and her children? Yes, but that is not why she does what she does. She embraces the role of a woman and seeks to bring glory to patriarchal authority because she has a fear and reverence for the Lord.
Bless God for His love, divine wisdom, and sovereignty in that He has designed a creation that is so beautifully a reflection of Himself. What joy to know that He has directed man to love and honor the woman so that she may promote life as she supports and submits to the authority He has established.
So, what does the rebellious woman say? "I don't want to be loved. I don't want to be honored. I don't want to be protected." A woman who asserts that she needs no such protection is akin to a heart or lung which determines that it no longer needs the ribs. Exposed and unprotected, at the slightest blow the organs would fail and the entire body would die.
Below are videos on biblical womanhood as seen in Titus Chapter 2 by Dr. Voddie Baucham which is truly worth listening to. These videos will set the foundation for our next topic in this series which will deal with the root causes of the rebellion to this role for women and men.
The Beauty of Submission
In the previous articles, we searched the Scriptures to establish that the authority of God is patriarchal. We also examined the story of the judge, Deborah, as the epitome of a woman in service to the Lord: one who was wise, prudent, proclaimed God's word and supported the patriarchy of God.
What then is the purpose for which woman was created and why is it so critical that she submit to man? One could simply say, "God commanded woman to submit to the man, and that's enough." While that is accurate, God doesn't do things arbitrarily. There is a reason for everything He does...even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:9, Romans 11:34).
"And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Genesis 2:18
We stated earlier how the woman must submit to man as a result of Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. However, notice that her purpose in providing companionship for, and being a help to, man was part of God's original plan. From the beginning, woman was created for man (not man for woman).
The question then becomes, "How is the woman to help the man?" In answering that we find understanding for the role she is to serve and why submission is necessary.
The Heart of the Matter
"And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Genesis 2:21-23
When God was creating woman, He took one of Adam's ribs in order to form her. This small point is not insignificant. Again, God does everything for a reason.
The ribs provide one main function: protection for the heart and the lungs. Both the heart and lungs are critical to the life of the body, yet the nature of their work requires that these organs be soft, delicate, and pliable (and thereby in need of protection).
The heart keeps blood flowing, ensuring that life reaches other parts of the body. It also provides a place of refreshing where the blood can get re-oxygenated or revived in order to continue its work. As such, the heart needs to be sensitive and flexible enough to the respond to the body's electrical impulses regarding contraction in order to keep the blood pumping. It is strong and is one of the largest muscles in the human body. It is an involuntary muscle meaning we do not have to consciously tell the heart to beat. It is created to anticipate the needs of the body and does so automatically.
The lungs are the place where gas exchange occurs within the human body; it collects the oxygen needed to give energy to the blood and expels toxins such as carbon dioxide. Similar to the heart, the lungs must be elastic enough to inflate/deflate as needed to support the inhaling and exhaling of air. Again, the lungs are involuntary muscles and expand/contract without willful thought by nature of their design.
The heart and lungs work around the clock, processing on average 8,000 - 9,000 liters of blood and air respectively a day. When they don't work properly, it impacts the whole body's ability to function as it should.
Understanding the functional purpose that these delicate organs serve and how vital their work is to the health of the body, it is clear to see why God - in His infinite wisdom - encased the heart and lungs under the protection of the ribs.
The Air We Breathe
God made Eve from Adam's rib; the part of his body that supports and protects his heart and lungs. The analogy is that the woman is the "heart and lungs", while the man is the "ribcage" which protects her.
Scripture says that the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). So when we discuss the functions of the heart and lungs, we are specifically addressing those organs needed to sustain and promote life in the body. This is a parallel to who woman is and what she does.
Is a woman's role only relevant to a husband and wife relationship? No! It has nothing to do with being married or having children. We are speaking of how God has designed women with the primary purpose of her carrying and supporting life - in all areas. Woman is a life-giver whether dealing with the family of her parents, the family of her husband, or the family of God. This is simply who she is and it can be expressed via the role of a wife, a mother, and/or a handmaiden to the Lord.
Let's look at this more closely.
- The Heart of the Home
- A Breath of Fresh Air
- A Place of Refreshing
- An Inner Strength and Might
- Symbiotic Alignment
- Industrious Nature
- Delicate and Pliable
There is a saying that the woman is the "heart of the home." Notice that she is the heart of the "home", not the heart of a house. In other words, a woman makes a house a home by what she brings to it. She is the life force in the home, both spiritually and physically.
"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." Proverbs 14:1
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:15
The Hebrew word for Eve is Chavvah which means "life". The woman is the one who propagates and regenerates life; she physically nurtures and gives birth to life, but she is also a spiritual life-giver.
The same attributes a woman physically provides to a baby in the the womb is what the woman brings spiritually to other environments: nourishment, sustenance, nurturing, insulation, warmth, comfort, a place conducive for growth, etc.
Whether one is ever a mother physically or not, like Deborah, a woman can serve as a spiritual mother to God's people.
A Breath of Fresh Air
As a life-giver, the woman is to the family what the Holy Spirit is to the Church. The word "spirit" in the New Testament is the Greek work pneuma, which means "air". The Holy Spirit is a Comforter; births and raises God's children for Him; and pursues only the will of the Father. He is an intercessor between the God and His children, and grieves/mourns when the children go astray. The Holy Spirit never seeks attention for Himself, but works to direct all eyes to God.
Like the work of the lungs in providing oxygen to give life to the body, the spirit the woman carries determines whether she brings life or death wherever she goes.
"A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." Proverbs 12:4
Look at how closely tied the state of the woman is to the health and well-being of her husband. The right attitude is a crowning glory, a contrary one is a sickness.
"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house." Proverbs 21:9
"It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." Proverbs 21:19
"It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house." Proverbs 25:24
"A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike." Proverbs 27:15
Is God picking on women here? No, He is trying to help us understand how the disposition of a woman can affect everything around her. One of the strongest evidences to woman as a definer of the atmosphere is seen in the verse below.
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." I Peter 3:1-2
The right spirit in a woman is enough to even convert an unbelieving husband. Why? It is the witness of how she lives her life that is the testimony. The woman's spirit affects the quality of the air (or the atmosphere)...whether for good or for evil.
A Place of Refreshing
The woman is to be a place of refreshing for the man, both physically and spiritually.
"Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love." Proverbs 5:18-19
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." Proverbs 18:22
"Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:9
An Inner Strength and Might
Because the heart and lungs are delicately constructed, you might look at them and assume that they are weak organs. However, we know from the amount of blood and air they process that they are in fact very resilient. The strength of these organs then is not something that is relayed in physical appearance; it is an inner strength.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10
The word for virtuous in that text is the Hebrew word "chayil" which means: strength, might, efficiency, wealth, force, army.
It is not that God created woman to be without strength. He created her to show strength in a different way. What is the evidence of a woman's strength, wealth, and might? It is found in her virtue. Such, according to God, is priceless.
Symbiotic Alignment
Both the heart and lungs are involuntary muscles meaning that they are designed to support the body in an almost unnoticed way. We don't have to tell the heart and lungs what to do. They are sensitive and responsive enough to the inputs from the body to anticipate what is needed. The heart and lungs work without us being consciously aware that they are actually doing what they do.
So to is the woman designed to be in support of others. She anticipates the needs of her family and moves to meet those needs.
"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD." Proverbs 19:4
The word prudent here is the Hebrew word sakal which means "to wisely understand, to have insight, to be circumspect, to comprehend".
"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:11-12
There is a common bond built upon trust because the husband knows that she will always strive to do good. This allows them to work together, complementing each other as they accomplish the work set before them.
Industrious Nature
The heart and the lungs are always working, multi-tasking, 24/7. Women are also designed to be productive, hard workers.
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27
"Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house" Psalms 128:3a
"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar." Proverbs 31:13-14
"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." Proverbs 31:16-19
Remember, woman is a life-giver. This is not limited to the marital relationship; it is who she was created to be. This same work ethic and diligence is to be used for the benefit of the church and those in need.
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus" Romans 16:3
"Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us." Romans 16:6
"Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. " Romans 16:12
"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20
A woman is to be busy with the things of God so that she is not caught up in things that steal life rather than promoting it.
"A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing." Proverbs 9:13
"But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." I Timothy 5:11-13
"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5
Delicate and Pliable
Like the heart and lungs, the nature of woman's role requires that she be delicate and pliable. She needs to be sensitive to the needs of those around her. She is given intuition to anticipate the needs of others. She needs to be tender in order to nurture. She needs to be delicate in order to show forth gentleness. She needs to be pliable so that she can adjust to the changing demands of her family.
While being in the critical role of a life-giver, we know that the Scriptures indicate that woman is the weaker vessel.
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. " I Peter 3:7
As we saw above, "weakness" does not mean an absence of strength. It simply denotes that she requires protection so that she can do the work God has purposed for her.
Further, notice that the husband's responsibility to the wife is one of giving her "honor". The role of a husband in protecting the wife is not an insult. On the contrary, it is a manifestation of his understanding and appreciation of the role she plays as his help.
True Gender Equality
Woman is equal to man. The woman was taken from the side of man; not from his head as if she is his authority, and not from his foot as is she is beneath him. This does not mean, however that they can - or were even made to - serve in the same roles.
Consider Jesus. He is equal to God and equally God (John 5:18; Philemon 2:6). Yet, His role is one of a Son in relation to God. This requires that Jesus submit Himself to the authority of His Father. It is not His will that He does, but that of His Father. He must obey, He must submit, He must reverence His Father because His role demands it. This does not make Him any less God.
The woman is called to respect and reverence the man; the man is called to love and honor the woman. This makes perfect sense. Remember, God has a reason for everything He does. Woman respects man because - as the ribs - he is in the position of taking the hard blows of life. He is called to lay down his life each day so as to protect the woman (Ephesians 5:25). In turn, understanding how essential her role is to completing what he is called to do, the man loves and honors the woman in appreciation for her tireless efforts to support him and his work.
Please see the comparison. We reverence Jesus because He is worthy. Why is He worthy? He laid down His life for His bride (Revelations 5:1-10). He took the hard blows for us (His Bride) in paying a debt that we were unable, and were not created, to pay. In turn, He loves and honors us because we have submitted to his authority and allowed Him to work through us to accomplish his work of saving souls.
How can you appreciate and reverence the magnificence of Jesus' sacrifice and yet at the same time despise the reflection of that same sacrifice as depicted in the role of man? You cannot. When you reject the patriarchal order of God, you simultaneously reject the Lordship of Jesus Christ Himself.
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30-31
Does a Godly woman love God's people, her husband, and her children? Yes, but that is not why she does what she does. She embraces the role of a woman and seeks to bring glory to patriarchal authority because she has a fear and reverence for the Lord.
Bless God for His love, divine wisdom, and sovereignty in that He has designed a creation that is so beautifully a reflection of Himself. What joy to know that He has directed man to love and honor the woman so that she may promote life as she supports and submits to the authority He has established.
So, what does the rebellious woman say? "I don't want to be loved. I don't want to be honored. I don't want to be protected." A woman who asserts that she needs no such protection is akin to a heart or lung which determines that it no longer needs the ribs. Exposed and unprotected, at the slightest blow the organs would fail and the entire body would die.
Below are videos on biblical womanhood as seen in Titus Chapter 2 by Dr. Voddie Baucham which is truly worth listening to. These videos will set the foundation for our next topic in this series which will deal with the root causes of the rebellion to this role for women and men.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Don't Forget Deborah - Part 2
This article is part of a series that might be better understood if you start at the first article.
We established in the previous article how the authority of God is patriarchal. In other words, the headship rests in/with man, and women are called to submit to that authority.
What About Deborah?
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." II Corinthians 13:1
When discussing women in leadership, many are often quick to point to Deborah. Yet even if we accept Deborah as an example of women having authority over men, she would be the exception and not the rule. There are no other Scriptural examples to support this premise that women are raised by God to be authorities over men.
However, does Deborah really represent a woman who had authority "over" men? To examine this, we must look more closely at the role of a judge.
The Book of Judges speaks of several individuals whom God raised up to provide wisdom and to help settle disputes for the people of Israel. These individuals are typically labeled as major or minor judges based on the amount of detail provided about them in the book. Deborah would be considered a major judge.
The word judge is the Hebrew word "shaphat" which means: to vindicate, to act as law-giver, to decide controversy, to execute judgment.
It is important to note that the use of judges was before Israel had a king over the nation. In fact, the people sought to have one of the judges become a king for them and he refused saying:
"I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you." Judges 8:23
If the judges were also rulers over the people, there would be no need for Israel to make this request. It was not the position of the judge to rule over the people as God was to rule over them. In fact, when they later approached God about having a King, God took it as a direct rejection of His Lordship over them (I Samuel 8:7).
So we know that Deborah, while a judge, was not a ruler. Yet, even as a judge, Deborah's role was different than the other judges.
The Judge as a Savior
The primary purpose of the judges were to lead the military campaigns and serve as warriors in securing the remnants of the land left over from the conquests by Joshua. The Scriptures say this:
"And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them." Judges 2:18
In support of this purpose, the other major judges Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Gideon, and Samson (as well as Tolah) are referred to as "deliverers" (Judges 3:9, 15, 31; 6:14; 10:1; 13:5). The word for deliverer is the Hebrew word "yasha`" which means to be liberated, saved, or victorious (as in battle). It is a component of the word "Yĕhowshuwa`", which is Jesus' name in Hebrew.
Yet, Deborah is never referenced by God as a yasha` or deliverer. The value of her contribution to Israel is not that she was a deliverer for Israel (like the other judges), but that she was a mother to Israel (Judges 5:7). She is esteemed for being the standard of womanhood.
Deborah's strength is recognized not in being a military leader or deliverer, but for being a Godly woman. The attributes for which Scripture praises her are not the same as those of the male judges because her role was also different.
The Judge as a Commander of the Troops
Some assert that Deborah was the actual commander, and that Barak was under her command. Yet the text itself disputes this. God's commandment was that the enemy would be delivered into Barak's hands (Judges 4:7, 14). Yet for every other judge, God commanded that the enemy would be delivered into that judge's hands. God never commanded the enemies to be delivered into Deborah's hands because she was never the commander.
Also, something rather peculiar happens in this text. It was a common practice for prophets to go to the troops, bless them, and proclaim the start of the battle (Numbers 31:6; II Chronicles 13:12; I Samuel 4:4; I Samuel 7:10). In fact, this was ordained by God:
"And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Deuteronomy 20:2-3
Yet, it was not even assumed that Deborah would go into battle. She had to be specifically requested by Barak to do so. And we see from her response that this was not a good thing:
"And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh." Judges 4:9
Deborah was a Godly woman, a just and wise judge. There was nothing in her character that would cause us to question her dedication to the Lord. Neither was there anything about her service that would preclude her going to the battle...especially when this was a common duty for both prophets and judges.
So, why was Deborah's service in these roles being limited in ways not applicable to her male counterparts? Because she was a woman.
Both prophets and judges serve legitimate roles in a battle, yet the Scriptures indicate that Deborah was not going to go. It was not the woman's role to go to battle; this was reserved for the men (Numbers 1:1-3, 20; Deuteronomy 20:5-9).
Some say that God punished Barak because he displayed a lack of faith in demanding that she go. Yet, that doesn't make sense. If asking a prophet to serve in this role represented a lack of faith, then why did God ordain such a practice to start with?
Being displeased with Barak, God could have selected another to lead Israel, but He does not. Barak is still leader and commander. However, the glory for the victory will go to another. Indeed, God goes further than that and explicitly states that the victory will be given to a woman. If female authority over men was considered equally valid before God, there would be not need for such a distinction.
The punishment rendered by God to Barak gives insight into what raised His ire in this situation. God's anger about Barak's request is meted by His judgment: if Barak wanted a woman to go to battle, then a woman would get his glory for the battle.
Even though God consented for Deborah to go, she did not lead the men. Yet each of the other major judges - Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Gideon (Tolah also) - actually engaged in the battle against Israel's enemies and led the troops as part of their role as a judge (Judges 3:10, 20-21, 28, 31; 7:18-12; 10:1). Deborah did not.
"And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him." Judges 4:14
Barak goes down from the mountain into battle followed by 10,000 men. Deborah does not leave the hillside. Barak led the men into battle. They followed after "him".
Unlike the other judges, Deborah was not commanded by God to lead the troops against the enemy nor to have the enemy given into her hand. Although God's primary purpose in raising the judges was to war with the enemy to secure the land, Deborah was not even expected to go into battle.
Debora was 100% legitimate as a judge ordained by God, but her authority was curtailed by Him to accommodate her role as a woman.
Deborah's Example
Many are quick to point to Deborah as validation for female authority in the church, but few point out that she was in fact a shining example of what a true woman should be: one who supports and submits to the patriarchy of God.
Deborah was a judge and a prophetess, but still in a different way than the other male judges and prophets. She does not represent a woman who God raised to authority in a position just like a man. On the contrary, she represents a women ordained to serve in the authority and role that God gave her.
She proclaimed God's words.
She was wise and a woman of justice, mediating Israel's disputes lawfully "...and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment." (Judges 4:5b)
She was a prophetess who inspired God's people and blessed the start of the battle. She did not speak in her own authority nor with her own judgments, but she spoke the commands of God, "Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded..." (Judges 4:6). Her authority to give direction to Barak was not because she was his head, but because she was speaking what "the Lord God" had commanded. It was God's authority - not Deborah's - that was to inpire Barak to move.
She supported the patriarchal authority of God.
When faced with Barak's failure to follow through on God's commands, Deborah did not rise up and usurp that role for herself. Instead, she reminds Barak of God's command and encourages him to take his God-ordained role.
She serves within her calling.
Another way that Deborah supports God's patriarchal order is by serving honorably right where she was. Although the male judges had been given broader responsibilities in that role, you never see her trying to be other than what God called her to be. She doesn't even question why her role as a judge was different than that of the men.
She was the example of a mother.
We do not know whether Deborah had physical children, but we know that she was a spiritual mother to Israel.
"The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. " Judges 5:7
"My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD." Judges 5:9
As a true example of womanhood, her heart was toward or dedicated to supporting the men who had volunteered to fight against God's enemies. Her actions and her life ("her heart") were set first on how she could support these men engaged in battle for the Lord.
A Wonderful Example of Womanhood
Deborah is not an example of a woman "stepping up to do what a man was not willing to do." Not only did she reinforce and support the order God had established, you never see Deborah questioning the role she was given.
Yes, Deborah had authority, but how did she exercise it? Her disposition, her demeanor, her calling, and her actions all supported her role as a woman of character and wisdom who reverenced God's commands and called upon others to do likewise. Because of her Godly example, she had great respect among the people of Israel.
God raised Deborah as a judge in Israel, but in doing so, He never over-turned his patriarchal order. There is nothing in her example which supports the notion that God is now raising women to serve in roles that He has designated for men.
Women are called to be spiritual mothers to God's people, and this offers great insight into why the woman is called to be submitted to the man. In the next post, we will examine the purpose for which woman was created and how this relates to the patriarchal order of God.
Continue
We established in the previous article how the authority of God is patriarchal. In other words, the headship rests in/with man, and women are called to submit to that authority.
What About Deborah?
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." II Corinthians 13:1
When discussing women in leadership, many are often quick to point to Deborah. Yet even if we accept Deborah as an example of women having authority over men, she would be the exception and not the rule. There are no other Scriptural examples to support this premise that women are raised by God to be authorities over men.
However, does Deborah really represent a woman who had authority "over" men? To examine this, we must look more closely at the role of a judge.
The Book of Judges speaks of several individuals whom God raised up to provide wisdom and to help settle disputes for the people of Israel. These individuals are typically labeled as major or minor judges based on the amount of detail provided about them in the book. Deborah would be considered a major judge.
The word judge is the Hebrew word "shaphat" which means: to vindicate, to act as law-giver, to decide controversy, to execute judgment.
It is important to note that the use of judges was before Israel had a king over the nation. In fact, the people sought to have one of the judges become a king for them and he refused saying:
"I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you." Judges 8:23
If the judges were also rulers over the people, there would be no need for Israel to make this request. It was not the position of the judge to rule over the people as God was to rule over them. In fact, when they later approached God about having a King, God took it as a direct rejection of His Lordship over them (I Samuel 8:7).
So we know that Deborah, while a judge, was not a ruler. Yet, even as a judge, Deborah's role was different than the other judges.
The Judge as a Savior
The primary purpose of the judges were to lead the military campaigns and serve as warriors in securing the remnants of the land left over from the conquests by Joshua. The Scriptures say this:
"And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them." Judges 2:18
In support of this purpose, the other major judges Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Gideon, and Samson (as well as Tolah) are referred to as "deliverers" (Judges 3:9, 15, 31; 6:14; 10:1; 13:5). The word for deliverer is the Hebrew word "yasha`" which means to be liberated, saved, or victorious (as in battle). It is a component of the word "Yĕhowshuwa`", which is Jesus' name in Hebrew.
Yet, Deborah is never referenced by God as a yasha` or deliverer. The value of her contribution to Israel is not that she was a deliverer for Israel (like the other judges), but that she was a mother to Israel (Judges 5:7). She is esteemed for being the standard of womanhood.
Deborah's strength is recognized not in being a military leader or deliverer, but for being a Godly woman. The attributes for which Scripture praises her are not the same as those of the male judges because her role was also different.
The Judge as a Commander of the Troops
Some assert that Deborah was the actual commander, and that Barak was under her command. Yet the text itself disputes this. God's commandment was that the enemy would be delivered into Barak's hands (Judges 4:7, 14). Yet for every other judge, God commanded that the enemy would be delivered into that judge's hands. God never commanded the enemies to be delivered into Deborah's hands because she was never the commander.
Also, something rather peculiar happens in this text. It was a common practice for prophets to go to the troops, bless them, and proclaim the start of the battle (Numbers 31:6; II Chronicles 13:12; I Samuel 4:4; I Samuel 7:10). In fact, this was ordained by God:
"And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." Deuteronomy 20:2-3
Yet, it was not even assumed that Deborah would go into battle. She had to be specifically requested by Barak to do so. And we see from her response that this was not a good thing:
"And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh." Judges 4:9
Deborah was a Godly woman, a just and wise judge. There was nothing in her character that would cause us to question her dedication to the Lord. Neither was there anything about her service that would preclude her going to the battle...especially when this was a common duty for both prophets and judges.
So, why was Deborah's service in these roles being limited in ways not applicable to her male counterparts? Because she was a woman.
Both prophets and judges serve legitimate roles in a battle, yet the Scriptures indicate that Deborah was not going to go. It was not the woman's role to go to battle; this was reserved for the men (Numbers 1:1-3, 20; Deuteronomy 20:5-9).
Some say that God punished Barak because he displayed a lack of faith in demanding that she go. Yet, that doesn't make sense. If asking a prophet to serve in this role represented a lack of faith, then why did God ordain such a practice to start with?
Being displeased with Barak, God could have selected another to lead Israel, but He does not. Barak is still leader and commander. However, the glory for the victory will go to another. Indeed, God goes further than that and explicitly states that the victory will be given to a woman. If female authority over men was considered equally valid before God, there would be not need for such a distinction.
The punishment rendered by God to Barak gives insight into what raised His ire in this situation. God's anger about Barak's request is meted by His judgment: if Barak wanted a woman to go to battle, then a woman would get his glory for the battle.
Even though God consented for Deborah to go, she did not lead the men. Yet each of the other major judges - Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Gideon (Tolah also) - actually engaged in the battle against Israel's enemies and led the troops as part of their role as a judge (Judges 3:10, 20-21, 28, 31; 7:18-12; 10:1). Deborah did not.
"And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him." Judges 4:14
Barak goes down from the mountain into battle followed by 10,000 men. Deborah does not leave the hillside. Barak led the men into battle. They followed after "him".
Unlike the other judges, Deborah was not commanded by God to lead the troops against the enemy nor to have the enemy given into her hand. Although God's primary purpose in raising the judges was to war with the enemy to secure the land, Deborah was not even expected to go into battle.
Debora was 100% legitimate as a judge ordained by God, but her authority was curtailed by Him to accommodate her role as a woman.
Deborah's Example
Many are quick to point to Deborah as validation for female authority in the church, but few point out that she was in fact a shining example of what a true woman should be: one who supports and submits to the patriarchy of God.
Deborah was a judge and a prophetess, but still in a different way than the other male judges and prophets. She does not represent a woman who God raised to authority in a position just like a man. On the contrary, she represents a women ordained to serve in the authority and role that God gave her.
She proclaimed God's words.
She was wise and a woman of justice, mediating Israel's disputes lawfully "...and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment." (Judges 4:5b)
She was a prophetess who inspired God's people and blessed the start of the battle. She did not speak in her own authority nor with her own judgments, but she spoke the commands of God, "Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded..." (Judges 4:6). Her authority to give direction to Barak was not because she was his head, but because she was speaking what "the Lord God" had commanded. It was God's authority - not Deborah's - that was to inpire Barak to move.
She supported the patriarchal authority of God.
When faced with Barak's failure to follow through on God's commands, Deborah did not rise up and usurp that role for herself. Instead, she reminds Barak of God's command and encourages him to take his God-ordained role.
She serves within her calling.
Another way that Deborah supports God's patriarchal order is by serving honorably right where she was. Although the male judges had been given broader responsibilities in that role, you never see her trying to be other than what God called her to be. She doesn't even question why her role as a judge was different than that of the men.
She was the example of a mother.
We do not know whether Deborah had physical children, but we know that she was a spiritual mother to Israel.
"The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel. " Judges 5:7
"My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD." Judges 5:9
As a true example of womanhood, her heart was toward or dedicated to supporting the men who had volunteered to fight against God's enemies. Her actions and her life ("her heart") were set first on how she could support these men engaged in battle for the Lord.
A Wonderful Example of Womanhood
Deborah is not an example of a woman "stepping up to do what a man was not willing to do." Not only did she reinforce and support the order God had established, you never see Deborah questioning the role she was given.
Yes, Deborah had authority, but how did she exercise it? Her disposition, her demeanor, her calling, and her actions all supported her role as a woman of character and wisdom who reverenced God's commands and called upon others to do likewise. Because of her Godly example, she had great respect among the people of Israel.
God raised Deborah as a judge in Israel, but in doing so, He never over-turned his patriarchal order. There is nothing in her example which supports the notion that God is now raising women to serve in roles that He has designated for men.
Women are called to be spiritual mothers to God's people, and this offers great insight into why the woman is called to be submitted to the man. In the next post, we will examine the purpose for which woman was created and how this relates to the patriarchal order of God.
Continue
Don't Forget Deborah - Part I
The Role for Women
The role of women in society is often the subject of much debate. In this series of articles, we will examine:
What Saith Scripture About Godly Authority?
God's given authority is patriarchal
"For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Genesis 18:19
God chose Abraham because He knew that Abraham would command his children and his household. Just think about that for a minute. If many women were to hear a "command" from their husbands, the house would likely be turned on its head. We are not suggesting that husbands go around barking commands. The point is that God indicates that the proper role for the man is as a head who commands his household in the ways of God.
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" I Timothy 3:2-5
Here we have two very important points. A bishop must be a "husband". Not "can be". Not "should be". "Must be". A bishop is an overseer, an elder, a superintendent. The role of the pastor has two major areas of responsibility: that of a bishop (to oversee) and that of a shepherd (to lead, protect, and nourish).
Why must a bishop be a husband? Because he must first be exercised in how to rule/command his own family before He can do so in the family of God. Because the man then is the head of the home, he is eligible to be the head of the church.
This means that there are no such things as female "pastors" or "co-pastors". No woman is the husband of one wife and neither is she charged with being the head of the home so that she can prove herself eligible for that position.
"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;" Titus 1:5-7
Here we have the word "elders" and "bishop" used synonymously; "ordain elders...for a bishop must be". Again, the elders and bishops must be a "husband".
Further, we see a similar criteria for eligibility based upon the household being in order (the children being faithful). Remember God's comments about Abraham reviewed above. The man is to rule and command His household in the ways of God. If he cannot do this, then he is not fit to be a pastor. Again, this discounts women as being eligible for this role.
God's holy city is built and established upon patriarchal authority
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Revelations 21:12-14
The foundations upon which God's holy city is built, as well as the only way to enter into the city, is through patriarchal authority.
The Five-fold ministry gifts support the patriarchal order
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-12
Some languages classify words as either being inherently masculine, feminine, or neutral. Greek, the original language of the New Testament, is one such language which holds to these concepts of "grammatical gender".
If we examine the offices identified for the church, we see these gender pairings also supporting the patriarchal order of God:
Apostles - A envoy for God, was specifically tasked in establishing churches; a masculine word with no feminine equivalent.
Prophets - One who declares God's words, particularly about future events; has both male (prophet) and female (prophetess) representations of the word.
Evangelists - One who proclaims the Good News; This gender is neutral word and can be applied to both men and women.
Pastors - The shepherd and bishop over the congregation; a masculine word with no feminine equivalent.
Teachers - One who instructs others; This is neutral and can be applied to both men and women. Scripture does however make additional stipulations for women however, limiting their role to teaching other women and children.
Women are not to have authority over men
"Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." Genesis 3:16
The woman's desire will be to serve her husband and the husband will be the head of the woman. The woman's primary driver, the purpose of her being, is to support and serve her husband.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Ephesians 5:22-23
Not only is the husband the head/ruler/commander of the wife, but the wife is to submit unto the husband. Whew, I just don't know if some are going to make it to the end of this series as I can hear the teeth gritting from here. :-)
Yet, consider this. Are these not the words of God? Do you consider yourself a servant of the Most High? Then why would there be any resistance whatsoever to these commands from God? If there is anything inside of you that tenses at these Scriptures, is that not an indication that you may not understand and at worse be resisting the role that God has ordained for you?
Another mystery is introduced here. The relationship of the husband and the wife is compared to that of Christ and the Church. There is some connection between the human marital relationship and that of Jesus with His Bride. Understanding the importance of this connection is critical to appreciating the treasure which is a woman.
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." I Corinthians 11:3-9
Again, we see the same parallel continued. The order of the human family is consistent with, and a reflection of, the order of the God-head. As such, the head of the woman is again confirmed to be the man.
In turn, the woman also is the glory of the man. This is a remarkable statement. As one preacher once said, "I know what kind of man I am dealing with once I see his wife." Everything that is righteous and Godly about the man (or perverse and ungodly) is seen in his wife. Nothing speaks to the character of a man like his wife. How many women have ever considered what her appearance, her demeanor, her words, and her activities say about her husband? Or do most women dress and live primarily for what pleases themselves? Yet, the text says that the woman is created "of" and "for" the man; not vice versa.
"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. " I Corinthians 14:34-35
If any verse is seen to cause contention, it is this one. Is God really imposing a muzzle on women in church? Is a woman forbidden from making a sound in church? A careful reading of the verse indicates that this is not so.
Examine also I Corinthians 14:28 as God discusses speaking in tongues, "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." The same terminology of "keeping silent in the church" is used. However, that doesn't mean the one speaking in tongues should not speak at all. He may do so to himself or God, but not by means of proclamation to, or addressing of, the church assembly without an interpreter.
Looking back on verses 34-35, we can see the qualification for women speaking in church. The admonition to be silent and not speak is specifically referenced in relation to obedience. There is a context of speaking in church that puts a women out of order and in disobedience.
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:8-9
"Rabbi" is Jewish name for teacher. Rabbis were also called "masters" or "fathers". Is this an instruction that these words should never be used? No.
This text is not addressing the title or even the act of teaching itself. It is addressing an attitude of reverence and misplaced authority. We must not elevate people to positions of authority and honor where they then supplant the one who should be our true head.
Can a woman speak with men and expound the Gospel? Of course! Both Aquila and Priscilla did the same when teaching Apollos more perfectly about the way (Acts 18:26). Women are not to be elevated to positions of authority OVER men as "masters" or "teachers" because Christ is to be the man's head. This is the context by which women are limited in the teaching realm.
"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." I Timothy 2:11-14
As with I Corinthians 14:34-35, we see again the admonishment for women to be in subjection (obedience) and silence when it comes to usurping authority over the man. No amount of learning, revelation, or wisdom overrides the roles that God has ordained. No woman becomes so "enlightened" and "anointed" that God has called her to be in a role He has expressly forbidden. Such would make God the author of confusion.
This verse also begins to shed light on why this is the case. First, Adam was formed before Eve as the patriarchal head. Secondly, Eve was the one who was deceived. So, is this a result of Eve's sin? Yes, in part. We saw that earlier in Genesis 3:15. However, it also has to do with the purpose for which woman was made (which we will review later).
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." I Peter 3:1-6
Again, the woman is to be in submission to her husband, even to the point of acknowledging that Sara called her husband "lord."
Women's teaching should be with other women and children
"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5
Women in the faith have a responsibility to teach younger women in the ways of godliness, which includes properly supporting the husband in rearing the children.
Matriarchal headship is a curse
"Woe unto the wicked! It shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." Isaiah 3:11-12
Notice that the rulership of women is something experienced by the "wicked" and is considered a curse by God. In fact these type of leaders (the women rulers) cause the people to go into error.
In reviewing the Scriptures, it is clear that God's authority for His people is patriarchal. Women are called to submit to that authority.
Many times, women will point to Deborah as an example of how God uses women and ordains them for service. In the next post, we will examine the judge and prophetess Deborah and the Godly example she sets for women in this regard.
The role of women in society is often the subject of much debate. In this series of articles, we will examine:
- What the Scriptures say about Godly authority (in this post)
- Deborah as an example for women
- The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
- The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
What Saith Scripture About Godly Authority?
God's given authority is patriarchal
"For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Genesis 18:19
God chose Abraham because He knew that Abraham would command his children and his household. Just think about that for a minute. If many women were to hear a "command" from their husbands, the house would likely be turned on its head. We are not suggesting that husbands go around barking commands. The point is that God indicates that the proper role for the man is as a head who commands his household in the ways of God.
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" I Timothy 3:2-5
Here we have two very important points. A bishop must be a "husband". Not "can be". Not "should be". "Must be". A bishop is an overseer, an elder, a superintendent. The role of the pastor has two major areas of responsibility: that of a bishop (to oversee) and that of a shepherd (to lead, protect, and nourish).
Why must a bishop be a husband? Because he must first be exercised in how to rule/command his own family before He can do so in the family of God. Because the man then is the head of the home, he is eligible to be the head of the church.
This means that there are no such things as female "pastors" or "co-pastors". No woman is the husband of one wife and neither is she charged with being the head of the home so that she can prove herself eligible for that position.
"For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;" Titus 1:5-7
Here we have the word "elders" and "bishop" used synonymously; "ordain elders...for a bishop must be". Again, the elders and bishops must be a "husband".
Further, we see a similar criteria for eligibility based upon the household being in order (the children being faithful). Remember God's comments about Abraham reviewed above. The man is to rule and command His household in the ways of God. If he cannot do this, then he is not fit to be a pastor. Again, this discounts women as being eligible for this role.
God's holy city is built and established upon patriarchal authority
"And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Revelations 21:12-14
The foundations upon which God's holy city is built, as well as the only way to enter into the city, is through patriarchal authority.
The Five-fold ministry gifts support the patriarchal order
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-12
Some languages classify words as either being inherently masculine, feminine, or neutral. Greek, the original language of the New Testament, is one such language which holds to these concepts of "grammatical gender".
If we examine the offices identified for the church, we see these gender pairings also supporting the patriarchal order of God:
Apostles - A envoy for God, was specifically tasked in establishing churches; a masculine word with no feminine equivalent.
Prophets - One who declares God's words, particularly about future events; has both male (prophet) and female (prophetess) representations of the word.
Evangelists - One who proclaims the Good News; This gender is neutral word and can be applied to both men and women.
Pastors - The shepherd and bishop over the congregation; a masculine word with no feminine equivalent.
Teachers - One who instructs others; This is neutral and can be applied to both men and women. Scripture does however make additional stipulations for women however, limiting their role to teaching other women and children.
Women are not to have authority over men
"Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." Genesis 3:16
The woman's desire will be to serve her husband and the husband will be the head of the woman. The woman's primary driver, the purpose of her being, is to support and serve her husband.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Ephesians 5:22-23
Not only is the husband the head/ruler/commander of the wife, but the wife is to submit unto the husband. Whew, I just don't know if some are going to make it to the end of this series as I can hear the teeth gritting from here. :-)
Yet, consider this. Are these not the words of God? Do you consider yourself a servant of the Most High? Then why would there be any resistance whatsoever to these commands from God? If there is anything inside of you that tenses at these Scriptures, is that not an indication that you may not understand and at worse be resisting the role that God has ordained for you?
Another mystery is introduced here. The relationship of the husband and the wife is compared to that of Christ and the Church. There is some connection between the human marital relationship and that of Jesus with His Bride. Understanding the importance of this connection is critical to appreciating the treasure which is a woman.
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." I Corinthians 11:3-9
Again, we see the same parallel continued. The order of the human family is consistent with, and a reflection of, the order of the God-head. As such, the head of the woman is again confirmed to be the man.
In turn, the woman also is the glory of the man. This is a remarkable statement. As one preacher once said, "I know what kind of man I am dealing with once I see his wife." Everything that is righteous and Godly about the man (or perverse and ungodly) is seen in his wife. Nothing speaks to the character of a man like his wife. How many women have ever considered what her appearance, her demeanor, her words, and her activities say about her husband? Or do most women dress and live primarily for what pleases themselves? Yet, the text says that the woman is created "of" and "for" the man; not vice versa.
"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. " I Corinthians 14:34-35
If any verse is seen to cause contention, it is this one. Is God really imposing a muzzle on women in church? Is a woman forbidden from making a sound in church? A careful reading of the verse indicates that this is not so.
Examine also I Corinthians 14:28 as God discusses speaking in tongues, "But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." The same terminology of "keeping silent in the church" is used. However, that doesn't mean the one speaking in tongues should not speak at all. He may do so to himself or God, but not by means of proclamation to, or addressing of, the church assembly without an interpreter.
Looking back on verses 34-35, we can see the qualification for women speaking in church. The admonition to be silent and not speak is specifically referenced in relation to obedience. There is a context of speaking in church that puts a women out of order and in disobedience.
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." Matthew 23:8-9
"Rabbi" is Jewish name for teacher. Rabbis were also called "masters" or "fathers". Is this an instruction that these words should never be used? No.
This text is not addressing the title or even the act of teaching itself. It is addressing an attitude of reverence and misplaced authority. We must not elevate people to positions of authority and honor where they then supplant the one who should be our true head.
Can a woman speak with men and expound the Gospel? Of course! Both Aquila and Priscilla did the same when teaching Apollos more perfectly about the way (Acts 18:26). Women are not to be elevated to positions of authority OVER men as "masters" or "teachers" because Christ is to be the man's head. This is the context by which women are limited in the teaching realm.
"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." I Timothy 2:11-14
As with I Corinthians 14:34-35, we see again the admonishment for women to be in subjection (obedience) and silence when it comes to usurping authority over the man. No amount of learning, revelation, or wisdom overrides the roles that God has ordained. No woman becomes so "enlightened" and "anointed" that God has called her to be in a role He has expressly forbidden. Such would make God the author of confusion.
This verse also begins to shed light on why this is the case. First, Adam was formed before Eve as the patriarchal head. Secondly, Eve was the one who was deceived. So, is this a result of Eve's sin? Yes, in part. We saw that earlier in Genesis 3:15. However, it also has to do with the purpose for which woman was made (which we will review later).
"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement." I Peter 3:1-6
Again, the woman is to be in submission to her husband, even to the point of acknowledging that Sara called her husband "lord."
Women's teaching should be with other women and children
"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:3-5
Women in the faith have a responsibility to teach younger women in the ways of godliness, which includes properly supporting the husband in rearing the children.
Matriarchal headship is a curse
"Woe unto the wicked! It shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." Isaiah 3:11-12
Notice that the rulership of women is something experienced by the "wicked" and is considered a curse by God. In fact these type of leaders (the women rulers) cause the people to go into error.
In reviewing the Scriptures, it is clear that God's authority for His people is patriarchal. Women are called to submit to that authority.
Many times, women will point to Deborah as an example of how God uses women and ordains them for service. In the next post, we will examine the judge and prophetess Deborah and the Godly example she sets for women in this regard.
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