Do you think Jochebed felt known and used by God when she set her baby afloat in the eddies of the Nile River? Did Ruth have any idea that her kindness to her mother-in-law would establish her at the root of an eternal kingly line? Could Sarah imagine as she hid her startled laughter that she would be extolled by future believers for her faith?
The Old Testament is full of women who rose from obscurity to do God’s will and changed the course of history. Like women today, they were often discounted, misjudged, and limited by society’s expectations, their stories half-buried by patriarchal cultures. But just as the Old Testament brims with the foreshadowing of Christ, its depths glitter with the truth of God’s unchanging regard for women and accounts of how their regard for Him led them to act in faith. In Paul’s words, “God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Corinthians 1:27, NLT).
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV
PROTECTORS, PROVIDERS, AND PROPHETS
One of the greatest leaders in Biblical history never would have seen his first birthday if it hadn’t been for enslaved midwives who refused to kill him at Pharaoh’s command, a mother and sister who enacted a plan to save him, and Pharaoh’s own daughter, who defied her father’s paranoia by choosing to raise the child as her own.
It’s a common theme throughout the Old Testament.
In the face of oppression, poverty, and prejudice, women step forward as protectors, providers, and prophets, setting in motion God’s salvation plan. Ruth was a pillar of strength for those closest to her (Ruth 4:15). Rahab saved the lives her entire family (Joshua 2:12-13). Deborah spoke for God, leading a fearful army to victory (Judges 4:4-9). Abigail provided for God’s chosen king David and kept him from shedding innocent blood in anger (1 Samuel 25:18, 26). The widow of Zarephath opened her home to the prophet Elijah despite her poverty and his notoriety (1 Kings 17:8-9). Abijah and Jedidah influenced their sons, Hezekiah and Josiah, to be righteous kings despite their husbands’ wickedness (2 Kings 18:2-3, 2 Kings 22:1). Esther risked her life to save the lives of others (Esther 8:6). A group of women known only as Shallum’s daughters helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:12).
These are only a few of the stories God preserved of Old Testament women who believed, obeyed, and then were used greatly by Him.
WHERE IT BEGINS
What was it about these women that allowed God to use them?
They were women just like us. Women faced with fear, injustice, expectation, and limitations emplaced by society and culture. But whatever they understood to be true about God and His plan, they trusted Him and leapt to participate. They were ready, humble, active believers.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8, NIV
God has never allowed the culture to determine who He can use, and we will never have to fight for His respect or inclusion. He wants to use us. He wants to use you. He will use anyone who believes Him, surrenders to Him, and loves Him and others.
