Those Women

by R. Darke, Victoria, Canada | Category: General | Apr 1985

The words for our title are not used disparagingly but rather admiringly of some of Scripture's noble women. Greek scholars such as Vine explain that gune, the word for woman in the New Testament, is used as a term of endearment and respect as well as in a general sense. This applies to the Lord's word to His mother at Cana of Galilee: "Woman, what have I to do with thee?" Also, "0 woman, great is thy faith," to the Canaanitish woman (Matthew 15:28).

The actions of the women we have in mind are like coloured threads woven into a fascinating pattern upon the fabric of God's word. For example, those willing-hearted ones who surrendered their prized, highly polished copper mirrors of best quality, to be converted in a laver for holding water for cleansing and situated inside the court of the ancient tabernacle of Israel. Those mirrors had been in daily use; they were invaluable for the personal requirements for which they were made. Yet, even if they were irreplaceable, these dedicated women were happily willing to sacrifice them for use in the house of God. Yes, sacrifice is the word; the Lord needed them, and the women gave them without a murmur. It is with such devotion that God is well pleased; and the gifts of the mirrors gave glory to God and joy to the givers as they saw the laver in constant use by Israel's busy priests. This was only one way that these dear women showed their appreciation to the Lord for His great work of redemption in delivering them from Egypt's bondage and judgement by the blood of the lamb.

Every redeemed heart holds a secret possession, an ability, a talent, a gift, which if yielded to God would delight the heart of the divine Receiver, and at the same time provide unequalled satisfaction to the giver. The most precious thing which praying Hannah had was the gift of baby Samuel, and as she gave him to the Lord she said: "As long as he liveth he is granted to the Lord". She reflected in her giving the very heart of God who gave His only begotten Son.

The secret of successful giving and living can well be found in the life of Mary Magdalene and her female compatriots. Snatched from the power of darkness when the Lord cast out of her seven demons, Mary devoted her life to caring for the needs of the Master and His disciples. It was said of those women who were her friends, and who had also known His healing power, that they "ministered unto Him of their substance" (Luke 8:3 RVM). The pattern of the lives of these dear women indicated an earnest desire to keep close to the Lord in order to serve Him with affection. They also remained faithful to Him to the end, and their testimony to this is etched in these words: "And all His acquaintance, and the women that followed with Him from Galilee, stood afar off, seeing these things" (Luke 23:49). They were at Calvary. "And the women, which had come with Him out of Galilee, followed after, and beheld the tomb, and how His body was laid. And they returned and prepared spices and ointments" (23:55,56). They were at the tomb. After His ascension, the disciples who saw Him go, returned to the Upper Room, and "these all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women" (Acts 1:14). They were at the prayer meeting. What deep affection this noble band of women had for the Lord 3esus.

The roil of honour in Hebrews 11 has on it the names of many righteous men and women of faith. To the latter could be added Hannah, Abigail, Priscilla, Dorcas, Mary Magdalene, to name a few. As we have devout and honourable men, so we have devout and honourable women (Acts 13:50).

R. Darke, Victoria, Canada | Apr 1985
General