When we talk about women of the Bible, the same names often crop up. Eve. Ruth. Esther, Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene, and Mary mother of Jesus. But those familiar stories only comprise a few pages of Scripture. Are there other women–named or unnamed–who Scripture records as playing a role in God’s great story of salvation?
Absolutely.
We camp out on the familiar stories, but the Bible names more people than you might first think. Take a minute and read through the lists of the town allotments in Joshua or the genealogies in Chronicles. I know–those are the parts that we like to skip. Names and begats–boring, right? While those names served a practical purpose for the original readers, there’s a lesson there for us too: our stories matter. The names of all those people and towns are recorded because they were part of the nation of Israel, part of God’s covenant community. We may no longer know who Heman the musician was or why Pedadiah son of Parosh wanted to help rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, or how exactly Apelles’ faith in Christ stood the test. But they lived, and their lives mattered.
Your story matters, too. Take the “just” out of your self-description. “Just” a stay-at-home mom. Just a teacher. Just a worship leader. Just a volunteer. Just an amateur. I know there’s always someone who seems to be on that next rung up from you, but other people’s accomplishments don’t diminish the power of your story. God knows your name. He chose you for his own, created you for this time and place, and destined you to be always for his glory. You are a part of God’s great story, and nothing could matter more.
So over the next few weeks we’re going to look at the stories of biblical women whose names you may not know as well. But they lived and loved and served, and they have left a legacy of faith we can learn from.
Zelophehad’s daughters, who claimed their inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11; 36:1-12).
Phoebe, who was a faithful servant of the Lord and the bearer of the book of Romans (Romans 16:1-2).
Shallum’s daughters, who helped rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:12).
Jochabed, who helped save her son (Exodus 2:1-10), and Rizpah, who mourned hers (2 Samuel 21:7-14).
Abigail, Rahab, Deborah, and others–they all have something to teach us as we gather round to listen.
I’m excited about this series. We have some wonderful guest posts lined up, and I can’t wait to share them with you all. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a post–you won’t want to miss out on this one.
Q: Who is your favorite woman from the Bible? What have you learned from her story?
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12 comments
I am so excited to be part of this series. My favorite woman is Rahab. A prostitute in the lineage of Jesus. She is the prime example of Gods love, forgiveness, hope and restoration. I love to teach about her.
Rahab is one of my favorite stories, too. I’m glad you’re going to be able to contribute to this one!
Love this! Looking forward to more about these powerful women. What an encouragement to take the “just” out of our stories! I LOVE Beth Moore’s study on Esther. Completely touched me at a very difficult time in my life to know that God has a plan for me!
Esther has a powerful story. Stick around–this is going to be a great series.
Everything – all of us – matters to God 🙂
It would be hard to pick a favorite character. I love Deborah’s strong leadership and Mary’s willingness to bear God’s Son. I love it that the women you named helped to rebuild the wall. There were prophetesses in the Bible (in the Old Testament!), so it helps me to remember that God has a special place for women in His story. Thank you for starting this series, Leigh!
Thanks Katy! Looking forward to your post!
I love this! Take the “just” out of your description! That really speaks to me as a stay at home mom who has to battle for recognition in all that I do. I love that to God I am not “just” anything. I am appointed and called to prosper where I’m planted.
Love this post!
Yes, exactly. God has a calling for each of us and we are to prosper where he plants us.
I found your blog via the linky party. Thank you for sharing this post, I define myself as “just” a mom etc. so this reminder was exactly what I needed~
Glad it encouraged you. Thanks for dropping by!
Your series sounds great, Leigh! I love Deborah. She led when no one else would–yet she lead under authority. Great example for women today!
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