Were the women of the bible heroes too?

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” – 1 John 3:2

One of the neat things about the bible is that it is a complete book. What I mean by that is that the one central theme, which has been called the scarlet thread, runs throughout it. That scarlet thread points to, magnifies, brings attention to, prophesies about, testifies of and directs us toward Jesus. The bible and the history of faith is like a mirror as well. Believers in the Old Testament looked forward to the coming Messiah through faith, much as we look back toward Jesus paying the ultimate sacrifice. Thus, to look for an example of how to live by faith, we can look back on the faith of those great Old Testament heroes.

Were there women of the bible who were heroes too?

When we look at heroes in the Old Testament, names like Abraham, Joseph, Noah, Gideon, David, Joshua and Daniel certainly spring up, but what about the women of the bible? Were there women of the bible who were heroes too? There were indeed. In fact, the scarlet thread that I mentioned earlier is a reference the actions of a woman of faith named Rahab, who gave protection to the Israelite spies who had come into Jericho; letting them down in a basket outside the wall so they could go back and make their report to Joshua (Joshua 2). In order that she would not be harmed, a scarlet thread or chord was placed in her window so that she and her household would be known to the attacking army. Her faith was her salvation and an example to us.

Why draw attention to the women of the bible?

What’s the big deal? Why draw attention to the women of the bible? After all, in Galatians 3:28, didn’t the apostle Paul write that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus?” (emphasis added). I am not refuting that message of Paul. In truth, both and men and women are to be encouraged, instructed, rebuked, corrected and raised up in their faith through the scriptures equally. Both men and women can be encouraged by the great “heroes of the faith” in Hebrews 11.

Women of the bible are a shining example to girls and young women.

In an age of Lady Gaga, girls and young women need the example of women of the bible. Girls, young women and older women as well need to be aware that they are not limited in their faith and how they can also reflect the image of Jesus in their lives through their actions just like the women of the bible did; women like:

·         Rahab (Joshua 2)

·         Rachel (Genesis 29)

·         Deborah (Judges 4 &5)

·         Ruth (Ruth)

·         Abigail (1 Samuel 25)

·         Esther (Esther)

·         Hannah (1 Samuel 1)

These are only a few examples of the women of the bible who have a significant impact when it comes to reflecting the faith of the “cloud of witnesses” referred to in Hebrews 12. Five of those women have been highlighted in a series by Erin Weidemann called Bible Belles. If you have daughters, granddaughters, nieces or young friends that you believe might benefit from the encouragement of these women of the bible, check out this short video.

Our greatest calling is to be like our Lord Jesus in every way, even girls and young women. Having women of the bible to look up to as heroes; women who demonstrate what it means to live by faith, can be a great encouragement. Believe it or not, the women of the bible can also be an encouragement to men. Reflect your faith in Jesus in every way. If you have an opportunity to pass that on to a girl or young woman, do it.