God Choses Women to Lead Too

God Chooses Women for Leadership Positions Too!

It is very important to consider one pertinent fact regarding God, God does not change. He operates today just the same as He did in the Old Testament times. Because of what Jesus Christ accomplished for us, we today live in an age of grace, and the judgements of God against the sins of men are put off until the appointed time that Christ Jesus returns and the whole world is judged. "Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed." In one very significant aspect of God (who looks on us equally, both men and women), From the Old Testament through the New Testament God has chosen various women to fill positions of service to Him and His people that some erroneously believe are only reserved for men. I want to share just a few examples from the Word of God on the matter.

In the book of Judges is the account of God placing a woman over the children of Israel. A prophetess, "wife" (woman?) of Lapidoth. Jabin, the king of Hazor, had for twenty years held Israel in degrading subjection. The spirit of patriotism seemed crushed out of the nation. In this emergency Deborah roused the people from their lethargy. Her fame spread far and wide. She became a "mother in Israel" (Judges 4:6, 14; 5:7), and "the children of Israel came up to her for judgment" as she sat in her tent under the palm tree "between Ramah and Bethel." Preparations were everywhere made by her direction for the great effort to throw off the yoke of bondage. She summoned Barak from Kadesh to take the command of 10,000 men of Zebulun and Naphtali, and lead them to Mount Tabor on the plain of Esdraelon at its north-east end. With his aid she organized this army. She gave the signal for attack, and the Hebrew host rushed down impetuously upon the army of Jabin, which was commanded by Sisera, and gained a great and decisive victory. The Canaanitish army almost wholly perished. That was a great and ever-memorable day in Israel. In Judges 5 is given the grand triumphal ode, the "song of Deborah," which she wrote in grateful commemoration of that great deliverance.(I am not quoting Judges chapter 5 here but it is good to read later.)
"Judges 4:1 And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. 2 And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. 3 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. 4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephr. and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.
6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? 7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. 8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. 9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.
10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him. 11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh. 12 And they shewed Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Tabor. 13 And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people that were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. 14 And Deborah said unto Barak, Up; for this is the day in which the LORD hath delivered Sisera into thine hand: is not the LORD gone out before thee? So Barak went down from mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. 15 And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all his chariots, and all his host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. 16 But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword; and there was not a man left."

Many contemporary Christian denominations have, in our times, taken various verses from the Bible and applied the definition that women are to remain silent in the church. When we closely look at these verses and read them in the context of the surrounding scriptures, we can see a totally different picture that some would want us to perceive. One of these sections of scriptures is to be found in 1 Timothy.
"1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
In this section of scripture note that the context here was "married women." God stipulates that in a marriage situation that the man is the head of the relationship and that with the responsibility given him by God to continue in faith, love, and holiness (in the highest sense belongs to God (Isaiah 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service). In the marriage covenant God holds the man responsible for his entire family, to educate them in the ways of God and maintain worship of God by the family group. There is further evidence that single (unmarried) women were looked upon and chosen by God to do the things of the ministry.

Paul covered the situation concerning women is God's service in his first letter to the Corinthians.
"1 Corinthians 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction."
The married individual cares for the things of the world, whether a man or a woman, to please their partner in the marriage. Clearly he states that the unmarried woman "careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit." Quite literally, she serves God in a workman for God position...this includes being a prophetess, a pastor, a leader of the church, or whatever calling God places upon her.

Before going further on lets look at the other section of scripture used by many to say that a woman has no place in the service of God. It is found in 1 Corinthians.
"1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order."
Here correction is being given to the church by Paul as to the proper way the worship service should be carried out. In verse 32, note that the subject at this point is the men who were prophets in the church. Paul instructs the wives of the prophets to keep silent. These were married women who when their husbands got up to give a word of prophecy were trying to get in on the act and interrupting their husbands to get their opportunity to "say something" too, if some cases questioning what their husbands had spoken and thereby interrupting the worship service. These were not single or unmarried women being addressed at all, like some people would like to propound.

In Philippians, Paul instructs that the men leadership of the church, that they were to work with the women who worked with him in the ministry in leadership of the church.
"Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."

The entire book of 2 John was written to a woman who was leader of the church in her location. In the context of this section of scripture, the "children were her spiritual children" as well as her own children. Continuing on in the record we see Paul giving her doctrinal instruction to relay to the rest of the believers. That they should be watchful for the entrance of deceivers the children of the Antichrist who would try to subvert the accuracy of God's Word with subtle deception to bring the church into subjection of the devil.
"2 John 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. 3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen."
Paul clearly told her that he had he planned on a personal visit to strengthen her leadership of the church with detailed instruction into the revelation of God that God had presented to him. And, in verse 8 says that he did not want to see them loose the "things we have wrought." The things they had wrought together was the establishing of the church in her location and when Paul had left, she was left as the church leader there.

When Paul came to Macedonia after having a vision of a man...he found women. He found Lydia. Married women of that day did not constrain a man to enter her house. Lydia was either divorced of had lost her husband and was in this sense the head of her household. When the head of a household became a Christian...the entire family became Christians. This is not the only instance where the head of a house hold became a Christian and there whole household accepted Christ Jesus as well.
“Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

When God was trying to stop Paul from going to Jerusalem by way of putting believers in his way, who gave him revelation from God that this was not the best choice. Philip the Evangelist had 4 daughters (single unmarried daughters) who were prophetesses and they did prophesy to Paul from God that he should not go to Jerusalem.
"Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."

Pricilla worked as part of the effective team (with her husband) to handle leadership functions. The two of them took it upon themselves to correct the wrongly taught doctrine of Apollos. They together expounded to him "the way" of God more perfectly. Married women did in some circumstances share in church authority with their husbands, but is was a shared position and the woman was not above the man in the service of God.
"Acts 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

Phebe, a "deaconess of the church at Cenchrea," the port of Corinth. She was probably the bearer of Paul's epistle to the Romans. Paul commended her to the Christians at Rome; "for she hath been," says he, "a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Rom. 16:1, 2). In verse 3 note that Paul referred to "Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus" Helpers literally translated fellow ministers by usage and context.
"Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ."
Together Priscilla and Aquila lead the church that met in their home together.

Next verse there is not much know of this Mary, but the letters of Paul were written to a large extent to the leadership of the Church for instruction and correction and Mary would be indicated as part of that leadership.
"6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us."

Next two of Paul's kin who were of note among the apostles, Junia was a woman, and these two were Christians before Paul was converted and called to be an Apostle (were in Christ before me).
"7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."

Tryphena and Tryphosa were two female Christians, active workers, whom Paul salutes in this epistle. And then Persis, a female Christian at Rome whom Paul salutes. She is spoken of as "beloved," and as having "laboured much in the Lord."
"12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord."

These are not all of the instances of women doing the work of the Lord as God's servants. In no way let anyone show any contempt for your calling in Christ. Do bear in mind though, that if you marry again that the calling to your ministry can still operate, but you must realize that your husband is held accountable for you to God and in the marriage relationship the man fills to the same position and responsibility as Christ held to the church as a whole.
"Ephesians 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."
May the peace of God keep your heart full of hope and courage and fully exercise the great power of God He has committed to you in effective ministry to them who have great need. Quench not the movement of the Holy Spirit in neither man or woman because God makes use of us all to function with particular roles in The Body of Christ. If you are a woman who has received the calling of God on your heart to preach and teach the Gospel, do not let anyone cause you to ignore God's call to you. We are all the soldiers of Christ in the battle against the darkness of this world.