"Proverbs 31 Women"
Our Women's Ministries verse is from the Book of Proverbs chapter 31. Perhaps you've heard the term "A Proverbs 31 Woman". This was written by Solomon, the king to whom God gave profound wisdom.
At first glance, the woman spoken of there might seem like one who should be able to fly and leap tall buildings in a single bound. Some have thought it sexest in the modern age of enlightenment, after all if she does everything described, who needs men? Solomon is not promoting the idea that a "Virtuous Woman" is a slave. It is rather, a celebration of the Power and Ability that God gave women.
In creation account, God said that it wasn't good for man to be alone, so he created Woman. I love that even in How God created man His purposes are symbolically demonstrated. With the rest of creation God simply spoke the Word and that which wasn't was. When it came to humanity God took the hands on approach. He took the earth shaped it with His hands, and then like the picture of Rescue Breathing, He got up close and personal, face to face, mouth to mouth and breathed life into us.
When it came to the woman, however, God didn't start with a Separate pile of dirt. For woman, the Bible says, that God caused a deep sleep to come over Adam and while Adam was asleep he took one of Adam's ribs. God didn't take a bone from Adam's foot, for him to lord over here, neither did he take the bone from Adam's head for the woman to lord over the man. The reason for this is clear; God's master plan is for Woman and Man to come together, in the life long bond of unity, building His Kingdom and their lives TOGHTHER. Besides the Godhead itself, it is the first picture of God's Passion for the Unity. God's power is released where there is unity, and the relationship between Man and Woman in marriage is the first and possibly most important arena in which it should be found.
God has specially equipped both the man and the woman with specific and equally necessary abilities, that when combined in the Spirit of Unity makes something beautiful. Women have been given special abilities that provide support and glue that holds things together.
Next time, we'll get into some of the attributes and abilities ascribed to women in Proverbs 31.
Blessings to you in Jesus Christ our Lord.
