Historically, women have suffered degradation and enslavement. They have been bartered and sold like cattle on the auction block. Women have also functioned as beasts of burden, and as playthings - existing only for the use and pleasure of men. Such unenlightened, bigoted and degrading treatment of women results from following the wisdom of this world. It isn’t any wonder that women are rebelling and refusing to play the role human wisdom has staked out for them. In contrast, God elevates women to their rightful place of honor, love and worthiness throughout the Bible.
In Genesis 2:18-23 we learn that woman is the crowning and culminating act of God’s creation. Everything had been created, including man, when God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Woman’s creation establishes the worthiness and dignity of women by showing that only one woman is needed to complete a man.
Womanhood was exalted in both Hebrew law and history. Under the Hebrew system, as given by God, the position of woman was in marked contrast with her status in surrounding nations. Her liberties were greater, her employments more varied and important, and her social standing more respected and commanding. The Law honored the mother equally with the father (Ex. 20:12; Prov. 1:8). It took God to exalt womanhood to the eminence achieved in Proverbs 31:10-31. She typifies all the best qualities in womanhood while administering the affairs of the home with a liberty and leadership unknown to other nations. That lady was not the slave nor the domestic servant of her husband, but rather his co-laborer in life.
There were a number of women who also rose to prominence in various ways throughout Hebrew history. Miriam, the sister of Moses, led the women in triumphant song and the prophet paid tribute to Miriam in Micah 6:4 when the Lord said, “I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.” Deborah became a prophetess and a judge and delivered her people from bondage (Judges 4:1-5:31). Esther became one of the most loved and honored women in Jewish history. She was selected for the king’s queen and risked her own position and life to save her people, the Jews. God honored her by having a Bible book named for her. Anna served God continually in the Temple and God gave her the honor of speaking of the Messiah to those who were looking for the redemption of Israel (Luke 2:36-38). Therefore, throughout Hebrew law and history God gave men the light they needed to recognize and honor the worthiness and dignity of womanhood.
Jesus demonstrated His respect also for womanhood throughout His ministry. Even though women were the degraded and enslaved victims of paganism, they found in Jesus a true benefactor and friend. Some of the most inspiring parts of the gospels concern our Lord’s contacts and conversations with women (John 8:1-11; Luke 7:36-50; John 4:7-26). Profound revelations were given in private teaching to women, which indicated His appreciation for their intellectual capacity and spiritual capabilities (John 4:10-26; Luke 10:41-42; John 11:21-27). Jesus also gave some of His highest commendation to women for exercising strong faith and for setting some of the highest standards of sacrificial giving (Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 12:41-44; 14:3-9). He also gave the first revelation of His risen life to women and gave them the privilege of announcing the most startling news the world has ever received (Matt. 28:10).
Our last point emphasizes the prominence of women in the early church. In Acts 1:1-14 we learn that women as well as men were devoting themselves to prayer while waiting for the Holy Spirit. Women, as well as men, helped establish churches (Acts 16:12-15; 18:18-28). They, as well as men, were filled with the Spirit and prophesied (Joel 2:28-29; 1 Cor. 11:5; Acts 21:9). They also functioned as special servants of the early church (Rom. 16:1-2; Phil. 4:3). Such prominence throughout the Bible clearly reveals the high regard God has for womanhood, and thereby establishes her glory and dignity.
You are neither inferior nor superior to men, but simply a different creation. Another pulse beats in your veins, another way of thinking, of feeling, of being, thereby making it possible for you to shake the foundations of the universe with your commanding virtues. God has made you unique - so look to Him, to be indwelt by Him and experience the outworking of His love in your life. And ladies - thank God you are a woman!
- Christianity Magazine, Dec. 1995