The Strength of Women

Introduction

One of the worst aspects of feminism is the loss of the picture of a great woman.

Even when we find great women in history, they must be distorted in order to be portrayed as great to the modern eye.

Every great heroine of literature is made into a snarky feminist in order to remain a heroine.

Even historical figures such as Abigail Adams must have their measured words turned into the barbs of a feminist crusader for the modern audiences supposed pleasure.

I want to restore the beautiful Biblical picture of strong women for women to look toward as the ideal.

Biblical Heroines

There are numerous women highlighted in Scripture for their virtues (Esther, Ruth, Deborah, Rahab, Miriam, Mary (mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene).

We have to be discerning to understand what the virtue is and is not (Gen 38:26).

We even need to be careful in who we say are the heroines and who are not (2 Sam. 11:3; 1 Sam. 18:27; cf. Lk. 8:3).

Don’t read modern thoughts into the text (Prov. 31:10-31; Jdg. 4:4-5; Acts 16:14).

Feminine Glory

The influence of wisdom (Prov. 14:1; 31:26; 1 Tim. 4:7; 1 Sam. 25:14-35).

But notice this is not her rising up as a matriarch.

This is all background.

It is a background that can lift up the wise husband (Prov. 31:23).

It is a background that can highlight the folly of the fool.

Devoted service (Prov. 31:12, 15; Lk. 2:36-38; 24:1-12).

Faithful submission (Esther 5; 1 Sam. 1-2; Lk. 1:38; 1 Pet. 3:1-2).

Cultural resistance (Prov. 31:25; Ex. 2:1-10; Ruth; Josh. 2:9-13).

Conclusion

If a woman’s greatest glory is to figure out ways to do what men do best then it will always be about like debate about women in sports.

But when women take up the roles God has given them and embrace them truly, then they truly come alongside men and shine in all the glory God has given them.

They do turn the tides of history and have world shaping influence. But they do it by fully being women. Not by trying to be men with lipstick and highheels.

Do you want fulfillment and glory? God wants to give it to you. He is not trying to keep you from it. He is trying to keep you from the lies that tell you it is out there somewhere in a rejection of these pictures of glory.