Read the Bible

So the next person on our list was Martha. I had heard the story several times and I guess I wasn’t ready to read it for good reason. I identified with Martha. She wanted her home in good order, she was a good hostess, she had great hospitality…but meanwhile her sister was sitting at the feet of Jesus. That says alot about priorities and what happens when we lose sight of the most important goals. I reacted with sadness in my Bible Study when we talked about Martha, when someone mentioned that it wasn’t until she complained that Jesus really set her straight. She was more focused on the role of a homemaker and being hospitable – worthy traits, but when she complained and resented her sisters choices the issue came to a conflict. Reality is, that is the exact debate between stay at home moms and working moms – who uses their time better. I have come to believe the most important choice is that we focus on our priorities, embrace our talents, do what we’ve been called to do well – and when all is said and done, we don’t judge others. The lives of Martha and Mary have much teach us today. I aspire to adopt more Mary and to learn the lessons of Martha.

The newest of my reading interests, Hagar wasn’t someone I’d ever really considered studying in the past. She didn’t ask to be with Abraham, and as a servant her power was little at best. The amazing thing to learn from her story for me – obedience. When God told her to go back – she immediately followed his feedback. She didn’t hesitate. I think about what would happen if we didn’t indulge our fear and our beliefs and simply opened our ears and eyes for all that is to come. Hagar has a story to tell and lessons to be learned from her life. I’m thankful for the devotional approach of just learning more about the lives of the women who came before.

I have continued my efforts to learn more about the women in the Bible, and my latest was Sarah. I had compassion for her – although there are many things to just sigh a sad sigh about. Because she lost faith, she actually tried to solve her most pressing problem (not being able to have a child) herself. In doing so she experienced jealousy, was discontented, and doubted that God would fulfill his covenant. The greater lesson for me was that Sarah was human, subject to the frailties that impact our lives and the consequences that come about as a result of our choice. God honored the covenant of Sarah and Abraham by using them later in life – what a tremendous blessing to be used well into maturity. When Sarah learned of God’s promise, she actually laughed – thinking there is no way I’m having a child at this age. We can sometimes see barriers in our world and our lives without recognizing that there is a possibility in every situation. As I learn more about the women of the Bible, I am particulary thankful for real people with flaws. Its a reminder to the regular nature and errors of us all.

I have continued my efforts to learn more about the women in the Bible, and my latest was Sarah. I had compassion for her – although there are many things to just sigh a sad sigh about. Because she lost faith, she actually tried to solve her most pressing problem (not being able to have a child) herself. In doing so she experienced jealousy, was discontented, and doubted that God would fulfill his covenant. The greater lesson for me was that Sarah was human, subject to the frailties that impact our lives and the consequences that come about as a result of our choice. God honored the covenant of Sarah and Abraham by using them later in life – what a tremendous blessing to be used well into maturity. When Sarah learned of God’s promise, she actually laughed – thinking there is no way I’m having a child at this age. We can sometimes see barriers in our world and our lives without recognizing that there is a possibility in every situation. As I learn more about the women of the Bible, I am particulary thankful for real people with flaws. Its a reminder to the regular nature and errors of us all.

I’ve entered the territory of the Proverbs 31 Woman. I was really not excited about the example that she set. I was feeling tired just reading about her. Then, after sharing the scripture with a friend and then listening to some additional commentary about her – I’m working harder at embracing the example she set. She cared for her family, she was industrious, she worked with her hands and she embraced her role – all while honoring God. I think there is a ministry of home that is being lost in today’s rush rush schedule. So the Proverbs 31 Woman isn’t someone to be looked at lightly – powerful, respected, resourceful, dedicated to family…there is much to be said for aspiring to the people who set tremendous examples. My study of women in the Bible continues to be a blessing.

I was reading about Eve, and I had settled that if I had another daughter I would probably not use the name. The shame, the mistake, even all of this time later I still think of the apple when I hear her name. I had decided maybe Eden was a better name, I could picture a girl named Eden.

Then I started reading more about Eve. After everything that went down in the garden – she had hope after childbirth. She had come to celebrate joy that God would allow her to give birth to mankind – who would ultimately defeat the devil. She was thankful to be choosen.

As I study more about the women in the Bible, I’m learning just how much I didn’t know. When I think of Deborah, Esther and Eve – all in their own way – they cared out God’s plan with grace. Eve could have never recovered from her failures, and surely she had the consequences of her actions – but she did not remain bitter. As part of her place in history we must also recognize her hope for humanity. She was thankful that God would use her to give birth to our eternity – man would conquer in the end. That speaks mounds to faith, belief and recovery.

In our human nature we can get caught up in our failures. We all have shortcomings. We all sin. We have all fallen short. The power in Eve is to remember that God can still use us regardless of what we lack. I was reminded on Sunday – after my prior day Bible study – that this is true for more than Eve. Noah was considered a drunk – but he was the only righteous man to build the ark. Thomas doubted. Mary and Martha got caught up in the division of chores. Abraham was too old. Leah was ugly. David was an adulterer. Moses stuttered. Gideon was afraid. I think I’ll continue to press forward – I’m in good company and God can use us all.

I spent some time this weekend in fellowship with a friend and learning more about Deborah. I didn’t realize when we started out on this journey that Deborah was a judge. (Judges 4- 5) In her own words she was a Mother in Israel. There are lessons to learn in that one brief statement. As a mom who is home full-time with her children, I tend to remind people of my other pedigrees – especially, when I feel the “oh you are a homemaker stereotype” coming along. I immediately turn back to my degrees, my work history, my consulting, my stuff that the world is more supportive of. The reality is that there are so many lessons to learn from Deborah.

She had pedigree and it didn’t matter. Her focus was on being a mother and loving God, and as a result of her faith and dedication he was able to use her. When she was preparing the men for battle, she had taken a back seat – she used her influence wisely. When the army said, we can’t go unless you come, she gracefully agreed, although I’m sure she could have made any choice as she was indeed the leader. Or was she? Because God was at the center of every decision and because she was attentive to His vision – she acted in ways that are not typical in human nature.

Deborah was clear about her role and clear about her responsibilities, but her faith was in God – not what she could see, not the circumstances, not her role or the people who surrounded her. There are so many things to learn from Deborah, and the recounting of the story in Judges – maybe my biggest lesson is that when your life is completely filter through God’s will – all things are possible. That is a good place to start this week.

So the lessons continue. I started with Esther, and then we charted new territory with Ruth and Naomi. I spent most of my time trying to get over the decision to stay with your mother in law after your husband is dead. Not that it couldn’t happen – it just isn’t my story. The more I read and understood – there was so much more. This friendship speaks to having loyalty and commitment, and also having something to teach – and being willing to learn. When the bible talks about older women should teach the young, there are practical reasons for that. Mature, Godly, wisdom filled folks ought to be teaching! When we pick our friends we should be intentional about rubbing up against people who help us to reach our fullest potential. The love of family and friendship is made evident in this story, and even in the case of Boaz there was wisdom at play. I want to read the entire Bible, but I also want to learn and understand the people who are within it. At other times I believe my goal was completion, and now I think it is revelation. Revelation of information, ideas and lessons that can make a practical difference and impact on my life – each and every day.

I’ve been studying women of the bible with a friend, and that makes me read more often. I’ve decided I don’t really do well with the systems that I’ve seen, but give me a person, a character, a theme – and I’ll take it all in. Commitment here is taking the time, or making the time – if it is truly important.

I went to see the movie “One Night with the King” and I was astounded by visual impact of the movie. After watching it and talking to friends…I was embarassed that I didn’t KNOW, I mean really KNOW the full story of Esther. The movie was a good experience, but I could see areas where there was “creative license.”

It prompted me to read the book of Esther and study more about the life of Esther. It was so interesting, and such a short book – it made me think more about the other women of the bible that I wanted to learn more about. I didn’t do well trying to start from Genesis, so now I’m studying specific people in the Bible, in hopes that it will be a catalyst for a more thorough read and research.

Just like everything I say in my other posts – actions are more telling than words. Off to learn about Deborah.