3.07.2005
Jesus really values and loves women
Today I got this overwhelming reassurance of God's love for women. We're studying the story of the woman at the well and how Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah to her. There were three reasons that it is so shocking that Jesus talked to her - she was a Samaritan (hated half-breeds), she was promiscuous (she had 5 husbands - think Desperate Housewives style) and she was a woman. Did you know that one of the Jewish prayers was "Thank you God for not making me a woman" - and also that it was shameful to talk to a woman for an extended period of time. Some pious men would close their eyes if they saw a woman in public to avoid talking to them. It was absolutely tremendous that Jesus even talked to the Promiscuous Samaritan Woman much less revealed himself as the Messiah! The severity of this hit me today, and it was confirmed in my spirit that Jesus loves, affirms, embraces, and respects women. So many Gospel stories include Jesus and women - widows, poor, outcasts. I think this was such a beautiful realization to me because often I feel the injustices toward women, and sometimes feel devalued as a woman. To be honest, much of the resistance comes from Christians, specifically in the area of Women in Ministry. The Bible is so often used to "put women in their place." I'm speaking of the verses in 1 Timothy and Corinthians. I am embittered by some Christians who have been so hostile toward women in leadership. Today God confirmed in my heart how much Jesus loves women and included them in salvation. I felt valued, embraced, confirmed, and deeply loved. It was beautiful.
¶ 9:08 PM 
