“And Some Women”

SCRIPTURE:

22: In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning

23: but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive.

Luke 24 (NIV) 

DEVOTION:

According to Henry Louise Gates, Jr., “… the earliest Black Christian congregations (in America) convened roughly contemporaneously with the Declaration Independence of 1776”. But, Africans were worshipping God before they came to America, and they continued worshipping Him throughout slavery, even when they had to worship in secret. As quiet as it’s kept, Black Christians have been around since the time of Christ. “And some women” have always been a strong part of the Church and the Christian movement. They didn’t just show up in the Church as we know it today. The women have always been there, despite being relegated to roles and positions which were not recognized by the Church. But God had a plan, “and some women” were a major part of bringing His plan to fruition.

Throughout scripture, there is evidence of the value that God places on women. In the beginning, God said to Adam, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). Since that time, through good and bad, the women have always been there. Women married to strong men, like Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. Women who exhibited their own special strength, like Deborah, Ruth, and Esther. Women who loved much because they were forgiven much, like Rahab and Mary Magdalene. Women who did what they had to do to survive, like Tamar and Vashti. Women who lost their identity, like Leah and Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife). Women who had vision and showed tenacity, like Anna, Lydia, and Bernice. Women of strong faith, like Hannah, Lois, and Eunice. Women who were leaders in the church, like Phoebe and Priscilla. Women who were filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, like Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Through it all, there have always been “some women” who made it happen.

“And some women” were, and continue to be, vital to our world. They are wives and mothers, sisters and daughters, aunts, and friends. But they are also doctors and lawyers, actresses and artists, politicians, and businesswomen. They are inventors and investors, CEOs and janitors, pilots and astronauts, architects, and engineers. God has ordained it so that there are “some women” who touch every aspect of our lives. Within the Church and faith community, women are tithers and givers, teachers and preachers, intercessors, and ushers. They are singers and musicians, counselors and deaconesses, greeters, and worship leaders. As it was then, so it is now. The Lord is still using “some women” to get His work done. And they are doing their best to Keep It R.E.A.L.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for making us in Your image and Your likeness with purpose in Your Kingdom. Help us to faithfully, diligently, and intentionally use the gifts which You have entrusted to us as we seek to carry out your commandment to make disciples. We want to be R.E.A.L. in our commitment to You, no matter the tenor of the voice You have given to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

REFLECTIONS:

It is Women’s History Month 2023, and the national theme for this year is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”. The theme’s intent is to honor women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, news, and social media. As you look around you, take the time to celebrate the women in your life, church, and community who are telling HERstory. Through their hard work. Through their giving of themselves, their time, and their treasure. Through their love for each other and their love for God. God still has “some women” who are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they are living their lives as R.E.A.L. witnesses of His goodness and His mercy.