Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. – Judges 4:4

Today’s Scripture Reading (November 1, 2012): Judges 4

It is almost unbelievable to me that in the 21^st century, parts of the Christian Church are still fighting over the role of women inside of the church. It is an argument that seems like it should have been decided long ago (in fact, I think that we should have decided the issue long before our culture did. Christians should have been – and should be - leading the charge in regard to women’s equality issues.) A quick reading of the Christian Testament (New Testament) reveals a Christian church that would have been seriously handicapped without the capable leadership of its women. Women (including but not limited to Mary Magdalene) were critical even in the ministry of Jesus. (And it was mostly women that showed up at the crucifixion while the men ran and hid.) Yes, the first century culture was decidedly male dominated, but in spite of that the Bible tells the story of ministry done by capable women. Even one of the theories on the authorship of the Book of Hebrews (no, it was not written by Paul) is that it is an anonymous work because this much beloved book of the church was written by a woman (maybe Priscilla.)

A little closer to our era, I originally was part of a domination (The Church of the Nazarene) that owes a lot of thanks to the early women that played an important part in the planting of the denomination. Yes, there were men involved, but there was also an army of capable women that led. preached and strategized in those early days. It seems that of late the role of women might have lessened in the denomination, but it is not because men will not accept them into leadership – often it is because they are not accepted by other women.

And in my personal family history, my Great Grandmother was an ordained pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church in Eastern Canada. (Yes, my Great Grandfather was also ordained in the church) but her leadership was important in the churches where they served.

Deborah was recognized as a leader in Israel. There is no indication that she ruled because of her birth status (she was not a princess.) There is no record of battles that she won or of the miracles that she performed. The Bible just says that she was a ruler of Israel because God spoke through her. And all of Israel listened when she spoke – and came to her to have her judge between them, presenting to her their problems. And it does not seem to have bothered anyone that a woman was making decisions over the disputes of men.

We limit our potential when we believe that only men can lead. If we are going to make a difference in the world, we cannot leave half of the population of the planet out of the picture. And the leadership criteria that should matter to us has not changed since the days of Deborah – who is it that God is speaking through. They are our leaders.    

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Judges 5