Women of the
Bible and what we can learn from them...
As the longest found conversation in Scripture between Jesus Christ and another person, the story of the Samaritan woman at the well is an inspiring example to all of how your past does not define your future. In this passage, the Lord reaches out to someone who was in all ways a social reject of the time. A woman, a nonjew, and she had a history with multiple guys. These factors are not just incidental, they are integral to the story because they show that God’s grace is for everyone. Her bold conversation with Christ himself was a perfect example of the thirst for life we all have inside of us that can only be quenched by God himself. The best part is, we too can have that experience! She may have been bad for a awhile, but she wasn’t forever. Through confession, repentence, and rejoicing, this underserving woman found that Jesus loved her and forgave her for her past mistakes.
What can we take away from the Samaritan woman’s bold step of faith?
1. Never be afraid to ask questions.
2. The Lord refreshes our soul and is the only source of true life. 3. It is a natural tendency to show others your changed heart.
Playing a vital role in the course of history forever, Rahab the prostitute made one lifealterinig decision that teaches us we are all given second chances. Through faith in God, Rahab risked her life to allow two spies into her home to survey her town of Jerico and plan for their attack of the city. Because of her faith and trust, she saved not only her life, but her families as well. The Lord found so much favor with the previous prostitute’s bold act of faith that she became the head of the lineage of Jesus Christ himself! If that isn’t a perfect example at a complete transformation than I don’t know what is.
What can we learn from Rahab’s faith and trust? 1. We don’t deserve forgiveness, but it is given to us freely. 2. God’s grace does not bind us to our past. 3. Faith that is demonstrated is remembered.
This bad girl of the Bible was nothing short of relentless. If there is one thing to take away from the story of Jezebel it would be this- nobody likes a domineering spirit. The story of Queen Jezebel is one of selfishness, greed, deceit, and ruthlesness. Because of her husbands passibity, Jezebel took things into her own hands for her moping King. With evil intent, Queen Jezebel used her connections to seize another man’s property and to have him killed. Eventually her choices led to a dead husband, children that wanted to overthrow her, and irate servants who killed her. In addition, she brought false gods and idols into the land, dishonoring the one true God. Feed ‘em to the dogs ladies, this woman was not going to make it out alive if the Lord had anything to do with it. And that was exactly her fate. Nothing was left but a few bones after being eaten by dogs.
What can we learn from the personality of Jezebel? 1. We should lead and work with others with grace and compassion. 2. We should treat others with encouragement rather than tearing them down and overpowering them. 3. If you are given the opportunity to lead or help others, don’t use it for personal gain.
What can we take away from Lot’s wife’s fatal error?
1. You should not hesitate when the Lord is directing you in a new way from your dreams. One of the hardest things in life is to step out into the unknown. Through the story of Lot and his family, we are reminded to not look back when God has different plans for our lives. The fatal ending of Lot’s wife is an eye-opening example of a heart unwilling to let go and let Christ in. As instructed by angels, Lot, his wife, and his two daughters were told to leave their town, their home, and everything they knew and to not look back. As we learn, however, Lot’s wife makes the fatal mistake of looking back and yearning for her past life. Because of her disobedience to God, she immediately turned into a pillar of salt. Extreme? Yes. Surprising? No. When the Lord is directing you towards a new path, we as follwers, are to walk obediently.
2. Pray for whatever holds over your heart so that you may go with a clear vision to follow Christ whole-heartedly. 3. Prepare yourself now to drop everything for Christ so that when the time comes you can fully surrender and follow.