Humanity is not complete without woman. Her role has been supportive to man and the growth of the society since creation. Even though her position was reduced from that of man in the day she disobeyed and listened to the ministration of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, whereby she caused the fall of man. However, that position has improved gradually through the cause of time, and now, she has proved herself to be up to the task of her role to be partner in progress with man.
Another dilemma facing women from ages is the stigma of negativism, associating her role as being an agent of enticement, seduction, pressure and urge, capable of luring man into ensnarement. From time in memorial, man has been falling victim to a woman’s plot – Sisera and Jael (Jug. 5:24-27); Samson and Delilah (Jug. 16:19); Jezebel (2Ki. 9:30), Athaliah etc.
However, this is not true of all women. Does this erase the good works of women in our society? No, despite the relegation of women’s role in the Bible, there are many women who serve as good examples for today’s women to emulate; courageous women who boosted the courage of their husband like the virtuous women praised in the book of Proverbs 31. We have women of faith who received the fulfillment of those things which they earnestly seek from God – Sarah, Hannah, Esther, Elizabeth etc. Also are women who were obedient and true worshipers of the living God – Deborah and Dorcas.
Esther: an example of a godly woman
For any woman who is a mother to excel to the point of being respected, being equal with man, being adored; to be called a virtuous mother; a mother to be honored, a mother to be remembered, who cut above the rest, she must possess the following characteristics found in Esther.
• Humble – not proud, she associated with her people, disregarding her position as a queen. She respected the person of her husband.
• Obedient – she was obedient to her instructor and to Mordecai
• Unselfish – she would not take credit for the secret Mordecai discovered.
• Caring – a woman of great concern for the condition of her people; seeking the good and peace of others.
• Law abiding – would not abuse her position as queen to go before the king without invitation
• Courageous – laid her life down like Jesus to safe her people from destruction
• Wise and polite – requested the presence of Haman to a banquet; she did not throw the bombshell at the first banquet, but at the second banquet; creating unsuspecting plan to indict Haman.
• Spiritually sound – she tackled her problem through fasting and prayer. At any critical juncture in life, when severe crisis struck, you must apply fasting to your prayer, a period of earnest seeking God for intervention.
• Sacrificial – she denied her right in order to save others
However, Esther, like any other person had her own shortcoming; she overdoes her request. After the Israelites had destroyed their enemies, she requested again that Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows (Esth. 9:13-14).
To whom will I liken a mother who deserves to be honored and celebrated?
The book of Proverbs chapter 31 verses 10-31 summarized it all; especially, verses 27-30, which reads
“She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised”.
By Lawrence Abitogun
Related posts:
- Mother’s Day Sermon
- White Women’s Christ and Black Women’s Jesus: Feminist Christology and Womanist Response (Aar Academy Series)
- Wife: the Glory of Her Husband
- Are Ministers not Misconstruing Christian Liberty and Grace in the Church? Part 5
- Are Ministers not Misconstruing Christian Liberty and Grace in the Church? Part 3
