The Monday Memo from John Stanko

845: Naomi and Ruth

I continue with our series on women of purpose in the Bible this week, looking at two women whose purpose was woven together into one. The book of Ruth is beautifully-written, even though God is only indirectly referred to throughout the narrative. Even so, His "fingerprints" are everywhere in the story. The book is named after Ruth, but could just as easily have been named after her mother-in-law Naomi. Let's look at their purpose story now.

THE BACKGROUND

Naomi, her husband, and her two sons left Israel due to a famine and went to the land of Moab where the two sons married two local girls, Orpah and Ruth. Soon, their father died and then the two sons died, leaving Naomi a widow with no sons or grandchildren (some have called her the female Job of the Old Testament). Eventually, Naomi decided to return to Israel where she would face a hard life as a widow with no men to support her. She urged her daughters-in-law to stay behind to fend for themselves. Orpah reluctantly did so, but Ruth uttered words that we have often used in wedding ceremony vows:

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her (Ruth 1:16-18).

Ruth proclaimed her loyalty to Naomi, and the women made their way back to Israel but before they did, Naomi changed her name:

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me" (Ruth 1:20-21).

THE BREAKTHROUGH

When the women returned to Israel, they had no source of income, so Ruth went to work harvesting barley, and that is when the Lord began to work out everything according to a grand master plan that is breathtaking to behold. Ruth just happened to work in a field owned by a man named Boaz who was Naomi's husband's relative. According to Old Testament law, that relative, called a kinsman redeemer, had to marry Ruth and provide for her. It turns out Boaz was already attracted to Ruth because of her reputation:

“I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge" (Ruth 2:11-12).

Naomi coached Ruth through what she should do once she had Boaz's attention. Ruth was obedient, which impressed Boaz once again:

“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning" (Ruth 3:10-13).

THE BLESSING

It was not only Boaz who was impressed with Ruth; her exceptional qualities captured God's attention as well. Boaz married her as he promised and they had a son, who also turned out to be a blessing to Naomi, his grandmother: "Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, 'Naomi has a son!' And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David (Ruth 4:16-17). God not only provided for Ruth but bestowed on her a great honor, for she became the great-grandmother to King David. Ruth from Moab, an enemy of Israel, became part of Jesus' family tree! As a bonus, Naomi, who had changed her name to "bitter," had her joy, hope, and legacy restored. God is good.

Women don''t have to preach, lead a business, or write songs sung by many for God to use them - Ruth is proof of that. Are you serving faithfully, perhaps the members of your family or another person close to you, but it doesn't seem like anyone is watching or paying attention? Then Ruth's example should encourage you to stay the course. Ruth was loyal to one woman, but because she was, she had many admirers, and God was one of them. He not only took care of her, but He also blessed her with offspring who are still blessing God's people today. God knows how to open doors for both men and women, and He has a door with a blessing behind it for you. Armed with that knowledge, I trust that you will have a blessed week!

844: Abigail

The more I search the Bible, the more women of purpose I notice. I wrote last week that we were close to finishing this series and then I will turn it into a book. I will still publish the series, but it will probably take a few weeks longer than I expected to finish. This week, let's examine a remarkable women whose purpose of intercession saved her life, the lives of her servants, and her husband. Her name is Abigail and her story is found in 1 Samuel 25, which I would advise you to read before you proceed.

A NOBLE WOMAN

When Abigail's surly husband Nabal insulted David's men who had come for supplies in return for the security services they had rendered, Abigail heard about it through one of the servants. This tells us that she could be trusted with people's secrets and listened to those around her who were more in touch with what was really going on. Abigail knew she had to act quickly so she assembled some provisions and set off intercept David before he sought revenge against Nabal. While her husband was incapable of leadership, Abigail rose up and led in his place.

When Abigail saw David, she humbled herself, falling prostrate at his feet and begging for mercy in light of her husband's foolish behavior. She showed herself humble, wise, and spiritual, for she framed her remarks in the context of what God had promised to do in David's life:

“Please forgive your servant’s presumption. The Lord your God will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because you fight the Lord’s battles, and no wrongdoing will be found in you as long as you live. Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God, but the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant" (1 Samuel 25:28-32).

In addition to all her other outstanding traits, Abigail was also a woman of faith. She trusted that the Lord would do for David all He promised He would, and asked that David would remember her on that day. David admitted that Abigail prevented him from carrying out his anger and received her gifts - but that's not all he did.

HER PROMOTION

Because Abigail interceded on behalf of both Nabal and David, God interceded on her behalf as well:

Then in the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he became like a stone. About ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died. When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, “David has sent us to you to take you to become his wife.” She bowed down with her face to the ground and said, “I am your servant and am ready to serve you and wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” Abigail quickly got on a donkey and, attended by her five female servants, went with David’s messengers and became his wife (1 Samuel 25:37-42).

I hope this was not the last time that David consulted Abigail for spiritual advice, and I also hope it was not the last time she took it upon herself to intercede according to the insight and wisdom she had. Regardless of those hopes, Abigail distinguished herself as a woman of purpose, who set an example for all women - all believers for that matter - of courageous intercession.

What insight has God given you through others about circumstances around you? Are you taking it upon yourself to lead the way out? Are you talking with those in power to help peacefully resolve the situation? Are you talking to the Lord, making your petitions known to Him? You don't have to have a title to lead, and you should not shrink back from leading because of gender. Be true to who God made you to be, and let God fight your battles as you step out according to the insight you have, just like Abigail did. As you do, I know you will have a blessed week!

843: The Women at Rome

We are nearing the close of our series on women of purpose in the Bible, which I have decided to turn into a book when it is complete. This week, we will look at a list of women Paul mentioned as he closed his epistle to the Romans and pay particular attention to two of the women named Phoebe and Junia.

THE LIST

When we read Romans 16:1-9, Paul mentioned nine women who were involved in the Roman church. They were Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Junia, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus' mother, and Nereus' sister. In addition, Paul wrote in verse 11, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Paul was not only writing to the men, he was addressing the women as equals.

From the list of nine, we can conclude that women played an important role in either establishing or maintaining the church in Rome, which had become significant due to its location. Rome was the capital of the Empire and a crossroads for everything that Rome stood for and cherished. It was also a meeting place for the people of the Empire who had official business.

Women played an important role in the church and Paul acknowledged some of what they did. Priscilla had risked her life for Paul and she led a church in her home along with her husband. Mary worked hard for the Romans saints. Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis were also commended for their hard work, presumably in the church. What work goes on in the church except for evangelism, discipleship, pastoral duties, preaching, and teaching? These women must have been involved in some or all of those activities, sharing the leadership roles in the church with their male counterparts.

Two women stand out in the list and Paul's comments, and they are Phoebe and Junia. Let's look at them apart from the others.

A DEACON AND AN APOSTLE

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me (Romans 16:1-2).

Phoebe had served in the church at Cenchreae, a town close to Corinth. She had distinguished herself to such an extent that Paul entrusted his letter to the Romans for her to deliver. Paul instructed the church to provide whatever she needed. Phoebe was a deacon or a servant and was recognized for her exceptional work with a special mention in Paul's letter. She was traveling just like any man in ministry, and Paul had no reservations about her role or travels.

Then there is the woman Junia: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was" (Romans 16:7). There is some disagreement over who Junia was or if she was even a woman. The name Junia has also been transcribed as Junias, but that also appears to have been a female or male name. We assume Adronicus was her husband, but he could have been her sibling or brother in the Lord.

Then there is Paul's commendation, which included the words "outstanding among the apostles." That could mean that Junia was well known among the apostles for her contributions to the team. It could also mean that she was an apostle herself. She came to the Lord before Paul, and was imprisoned along with Paul and Adronicus because of her work for the Lord, which leads me to believe that she was more than just a companion. She was a co-worker. The Romans would not have imprisoned a spouse unless she was a nuisance as the male workers had become to Rome. The historic church considered Junia a woman and an apostle (click to enlarge her picture to see the caption), so this assumption of her apostolic role has more than a little credibility.

THE LESSON

Paul gave us two examples of women of purpose who were leaders in the early church, one a deacon and the other an apostle. They had spiritual gifts that distinguished them from their peers. If Paul did not quibble over their gender, and made no qualifying statements that would have caused the church to treat them differently than the men, then we should be careful not to do the same in their case or in the case of modern women who also serve, teach, preach, or stand out for their work in the church and among God's people.

Paul set out the requirements for women in ministry when he addressed the requirements for leadership in 1 Timothy 3:8-11:

In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Paul had a large task and purpose, which was to establish the Church among the Gentiles. He could not do this without using all the gifted people at his disposal, and some of them were women. The same strategy should be employed today. There are no rules that say a certain number or percentage in leadership must be women, but there are no rules to say that they cannot serve, if their purpose and gifts are proven to benefit God's cause. I am certain that there are many women like Junia and Phoebe who are serving in the church, with many more waiting in the wings. Let's not hinder them but make room in our hearts and ministries for women whom God has chosen to call and take their place alongside men. Have a blessed week!

842: Closer Than a Brother

Let’s continue our series on women of purpose in the Bible. This week we look at a woman who is named more than a dozen times in all four of the gospels, who knew and traveled with Jesus, and who ended up sticking closer to Him than any of His brothers or disciples, except John. She was brave, determined, and loyal, and she received special insight from God as a reward for her courage and tenacity. Her name was Mary Magdalene.

WHAT DO WE KNOW?

We know that Mary was from the Galilee area north of Jerusalem, which was Jesus’ chosen base of ministry operation. At some point, Mary had an encounter with Jesus and was healed or set free as Luke described:

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3).

When Mary was set free, she became one of the women who traveled with Jesus and ministered to His needs as well as those of His disciples. We cannot overlook how radical it must have been to have a group of women traveling with the disciples who were not their wives.

Whenever Mary Magdalene is listed with other women in the gospels, she is always listed first (except for when she was with Mary the mother of Jesus), which probably indicates that she was a take-charge person who also had some means from which she helped financially support Jesus:

• Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb (Matthew 27:61).
  
• After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb (Matthew 28:1).
  
• It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles (Luke 24:10).
  
• Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25).
  

Mary is most prominently featured in the accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection, however, and it was there that she distinguished herself as a faithful and fearless servant and disciple, whom women and men would do well to emulate.

CLOSE BY

The gospels tell us that Mary was close by during Jesus’ trial, death march through Jerusalem, His crucifixion, and His death. Mary noted where they buried Jesus but, being a good Jew, she went home for the Sabbath and then came back with at least one other woman to anoint Jesus’ body for burial. It is John that included the most detail about Mary’s activities at the tomb:

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her (John 20:11-18).

Notice that Mary referred to Jesus not as the Lord, but my Lord. She was heartbroken, but she was determined to be loyal to Jesus even after what she thought was the end, and she was rewarded with the first to know that Jesus had come back to life as He had promised.

THE LESSON

Mary, equipped with a revelation of Jesus, went back to the disciples to tell them the good news but they did not believe her right away. Peter and John went running to the tomb, found it as Mary had reported, and then went home. Not Mary. She stayed at the tomb, weeping and mourning that she did not know where Jesus’ body was and was thus unable to complete the task she came to perform. It was then that Jesus revealed Himself to her by calling her by name and once again she went back to the brothers to report what she knew.

Mary instructed these men (dare we say led these men) because she knew Jesus, followed Jesus, was close to Jesus, heard His voice, and had a personal revelation of truth from Jesus Himself. That qualified her to teach and lead, and when all was said and done, that revelation was all she needed to serve Jesus and others effectively. The men dismissed her because they neither believed what Mary reported nor that a woman could teach them much of anything. Does that sound like the church through the ages, even today?

If you are a woman and identify with or resemble Mary, you have undoubtedly learned something from Jesus that isn’t just for other women, it is for everyone. If Jesus was willing to reveal Himself to you, knowing you are a woman – if it didn’t matter to Him that you are a woman – then why should it matter to you or anyone else?

Mary fulfilled the proverb that states “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Who said that person who is close had to be a man? If you are a woman, I urge you to stay close to Jesus and listen to Him call your name. If you are a man, I encourage you to listen to the women in your life who are close to Jesus, and hopefully they will share with you what Jesus has told them – just like Mary Magdalene did.