Lesson 17 on biblical submission...
Proverbs 31:23 - Three Wise Women
In our first lesson on Proverbs 31:23, we saw a real-life picture of what an ungodly, unbiblically submissive wife looks like. We witnessed her sinful and wretched prayer life as well as her "holier than thou" attitude against her husband in which Satan so skillfully used to cause much strife and division in her household. Yes, we discovered in our last lesson that I allowed Satan to use me as a baseball bat to beat my husband and recklessly tear down my house with my own hands.
Therefore, it is fitting that we now turn our attentions to three women in the Bible that truly understood what biblical submission was all about. In His righteousness, the Lord our God saw it fit to use these women as examples of what a Princess of the King really looks like: beautiful (inside), calm, confident, quiet, peaceful, and a humble servant ready to act on behalf of others when necessary with no regard for her personal well-being. Who are these wonderful women? They are:
- Zipporah (Moses' wife)
- Ruth (Boaz's wife & great-grandmother of King David)
- Elizabeth (Zechariah's wife & mother of John the Baptist)
Zipporah
Read:
Genesis 17:10-14 (highlight v. 14)
&
Exodus 4:24-26 (highlight v. 26)
A biblically submissive wife protects: LIFE
Read:
Genesis 17:10-14 (highlight v. 14)
&
Exodus 4:24-26 (highlight v. 26)
A biblically submissive wife protects: LIFE
When we read this passage, especially the verses that come right before Exodus 4:24, it seems a bit out of place. Right before verse 24, we see that God has called Moses to be the one who saves/leads His people out of bondage. So what does this have to do with circumcision and why did God make sure these three tiny little verses were placed right after Moses' commission from the LORD and right before Moses even had the opportunity to enter Egypt?
To understand the importance of these three verses, we must first understand the Lord our God and His ways and what is most important to Him concerning man ~ to reconcile man into a right relationship with God the Father. God used the life of Moses to reveal to us the shadow of the things to come. Moses was given the Law and was kept by the Law through the old covenant of physical circumcision. But when the Son, who is the Christ came, the old covenant was dissolved and the new covenant in the blood of Jesus restored, saved and led all people who trust in Christ into a right relationship with God the Father by circumcising one's heart ~ separating the soul of man from his dead flesh and binding it with the life of Christ. In fact, the actual Hebrew word used in this passage for "covenant" is bĕriyth that comes from the root word bara' which together mean: to cut; to create something new; to make a treaty, alliance.1 This is why those of us who have repented and fully trusted our lives to Jesus, are called a "new creation". We have been "cut off" from the old self which lived in and for the flesh with its wicked passions and desires that war against God; and have been granted to enter into a "treaty, alliance" with God to live in and for His Spirit that now dwells within us.
Why did Zipporah, the wife of Moses suddenly choose to circumcise her son, touch Moses' feet with the bloody knife and then speak those words [Exodus 4:25]? While it is not written in Scripture, it is obvious she was well-taught God's holy commandments and what was required to remain in a covenant relationship with Him [Genesis 17:14].
Now, Scripture doesn't say who's life was in danger, Moses' or his son who had not been circumcised up to that point, but God is clear in His word, that He intended to take one of their lives that day.
In God's awesome mercy, He chose to reveal to Zipporah her husband Moses' error and great sin against God. Our heavenly Father knew Zipporah had a submissive, humble and reverent heart towards Him, so He graced her with the knowledge of the impending doom (eternal damnation) that was to come upon one of her family members.
And what did Zipporah do with this knowledge God so generously granted her? Did she puff up with pride because God revealed something to her that was not revealed to her husband? Did she think she was better or more holy than Moses because God showed her her husbands error so she could lord it over him, correct him and expect something in return, i.e., respect, reward, her husband's submission to her judgment, etc.? No, this godly woman did no such thing. Instead, without any concern for herself, what she might lose or gain, she acted out of her love, reverence and gratitude towards God and her family, by quickly doing what her husband should have already done; pleading for their life, and submitting herself to her husband (even though it was his sin that caused this) by throwing herself at Moses' feet while she spoke those gracious words that moved God's heart to relent.
Contrary to popular belief, the Lord our God does not help those who can help themselves. Instead, He is always faithfully seeking to help those who humble themselves. Like Zipporah did. Just think sisters, your humility could be used by God to save someone's life, both their physical and more importantly, their eternal.
To understand the importance of these three verses, we must first understand the Lord our God and His ways and what is most important to Him concerning man ~ to reconcile man into a right relationship with God the Father. God used the life of Moses to reveal to us the shadow of the things to come. Moses was given the Law and was kept by the Law through the old covenant of physical circumcision. But when the Son, who is the Christ came, the old covenant was dissolved and the new covenant in the blood of Jesus restored, saved and led all people who trust in Christ into a right relationship with God the Father by circumcising one's heart ~ separating the soul of man from his dead flesh and binding it with the life of Christ. In fact, the actual Hebrew word used in this passage for "covenant" is bĕriyth that comes from the root word bara' which together mean: to cut; to create something new; to make a treaty, alliance.1 This is why those of us who have repented and fully trusted our lives to Jesus, are called a "new creation". We have been "cut off" from the old self which lived in and for the flesh with its wicked passions and desires that war against God; and have been granted to enter into a "treaty, alliance" with God to live in and for His Spirit that now dwells within us.
"Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn."
~ Deuteronomy 10:16
"For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God."
~ Romans 2:28-29
Why did Zipporah, the wife of Moses suddenly choose to circumcise her son, touch Moses' feet with the bloody knife and then speak those words [Exodus 4:25]? While it is not written in Scripture, it is obvious she was well-taught God's holy commandments and what was required to remain in a covenant relationship with Him [Genesis 17:14].
Now, Scripture doesn't say who's life was in danger, Moses' or his son who had not been circumcised up to that point, but God is clear in His word, that He intended to take one of their lives that day.
In God's awesome mercy, He chose to reveal to Zipporah her husband Moses' error and great sin against God. Our heavenly Father knew Zipporah had a submissive, humble and reverent heart towards Him, so He graced her with the knowledge of the impending doom (eternal damnation) that was to come upon one of her family members.
And what did Zipporah do with this knowledge God so generously granted her? Did she puff up with pride because God revealed something to her that was not revealed to her husband? Did she think she was better or more holy than Moses because God showed her her husbands error so she could lord it over him, correct him and expect something in return, i.e., respect, reward, her husband's submission to her judgment, etc.? No, this godly woman did no such thing. Instead, without any concern for herself, what she might lose or gain, she acted out of her love, reverence and gratitude towards God and her family, by quickly doing what her husband should have already done; pleading for their life, and submitting herself to her husband (even though it was his sin that caused this) by throwing herself at Moses' feet while she spoke those gracious words that moved God's heart to relent.
Contrary to popular belief, the Lord our God does not help those who can help themselves. Instead, He is always faithfully seeking to help those who humble themselves. Like Zipporah did. Just think sisters, your humility could be used by God to save someone's life, both their physical and more importantly, their eternal.
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him."
~ 2 Chronicles 16:9
Ruth
Read:
the entire book of Ruth
the entire book of Ruth
A biblically submissive wife sows: HUMILITY
Ruth 1:16-18 → Ruth makes a declaration of saving faith. These words of hers are not emotion-led, circumstantial, temporary words. She does not make this statement of her trust in the God of Israel to merely feel better and in hopes of a better life here on earth, as we will see this in the following verses as Ruth's faith is proved by her godly and humble actions.
Ruth 2:2 → Ruth didn't sit around feeling sorry for herself (which she could've easily done, especially in her situation, i.e., lost her husband, moved to a foreign country, doesn't' know anyone and lives with a bitter and depressed ex-mother-in-law). Instead, she takes the initiative to ask Naomi for permission to go find a humble job or rather, a humiliating job in order to feed and care for the both of them. Ruth already begins to display her humility, kindness, wisdom and honor for others above herself; which are all attributes of a biblically submissive woman. Ruth doesn't have an "I'm in charge!" attitude, but more of a "How can I help?" attitude. Although Ruth was in no way truly obligated to Naomi, she chose to commit herself to someone who was utterly of no use to her in any way. Think about it. If anything, Naomi was "dead weight" more than she was a blessing. But because Ruth esteems herself not, all she can see, all her heart perceives is the destitute and sorrowful state of her mother-in-law and compassion for Naomi overtakes Ruth; this is the same compassion that overtook Christ's heart for us - providing us eternal salvation by His wounds.
In this world, there are spectators who only talk about what should be done, what they plan to do, and point out error in others. And then there are the laborers who only talk when necessary because they are too busy working and about the Lord's business instead of the world's business.
God is gracious and He is sovereign. And in His sovereignty, He gives us free will to choose whether we will be chatty spectators or humble laborers. Ruth, was most definitely a humble laborer who was mercifully welcomed into God's fold, although she was a Moabitess.
It is easy for us to seek God's face when we are in need or distressed. Not only is this fact true historically in the Bible, but I've found it to be true in my life as well. As with God's children of old, I too have cried out to God for deliverance and found it easy to be grateful when He provides refuge, comfort and grace in my time of need. But it seems that when we're doing well, when we're comfortable, we tend to forget the God who so generously provided us with His awesome presence and His glorious riches. We take God and His gifts for granted as if we somehow deserved or earned all that we have. Ironically, it is not in the difficult times that our humility is tested, but in the times of pleasantry.
Unlike many of us, Ruth didn't forget the Lord her God who gave her her husband, then took him away. Instead she desired to stay near to Him, even if it meant that she would live in poverty, with an embittered, depressed mother-in-law in a foreign land where she might be belittled and mistreated because she was not an Israelite, but a Moabitess.
She then labored intensely in a field, gleaning like a beggar from what was left from the harvesters who had gone before her and already reaped the best of the grain from the field. Except for a short and necessary rest, she did not stop until she had reaped an ample amount to bring home to her mother-in-law, so they may eat and be satisfied.
And even when she caught Boaz's eye, she did not consider herself worthy. When Boaz spoke kindly to her, she did not do a "Yay me!" dance, but fell to the ground in humility and wondered why such a man like Boaz would dare to even notice a girl like her.
Ruth 4:14, 17 → Ruth's love, trust and full devotion to the God of Israel, allowed her to receive a rich and glorious blessing she could never do anything to deserve - she became the great-grandmother of King David and ultimately was privileged to be included in the earthly lineage of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
When we allow our pride to take us over, then we are actually choosing to step out of God's will - His protection and gracious blessings we could never dream of, earn or deserve. But when we humble ourselves, we willingly submit to God's authority, obey His commandments (which is love to God [1 John 5:3]).
The humility of a wife/mother tends to breed humility in those around her. Not because she boasts of this, but because the evidence of God's work is clearly manifested in her life a she decreases (humbles herself) all the more so that the life of Christ the Lord may increase.
For the perfect example of unnecessary honor and submissive obedience rendered, read: Luke 2:48-52
Ruth 2:2 → Ruth didn't sit around feeling sorry for herself (which she could've easily done, especially in her situation, i.e., lost her husband, moved to a foreign country, doesn't' know anyone and lives with a bitter and depressed ex-mother-in-law). Instead, she takes the initiative to ask Naomi for permission to go find a humble job or rather, a humiliating job in order to feed and care for the both of them. Ruth already begins to display her humility, kindness, wisdom and honor for others above herself; which are all attributes of a biblically submissive woman. Ruth doesn't have an "I'm in charge!" attitude, but more of a "How can I help?" attitude. Although Ruth was in no way truly obligated to Naomi, she chose to commit herself to someone who was utterly of no use to her in any way. Think about it. If anything, Naomi was "dead weight" more than she was a blessing. But because Ruth esteems herself not, all she can see, all her heart perceives is the destitute and sorrowful state of her mother-in-law and compassion for Naomi overtakes Ruth; this is the same compassion that overtook Christ's heart for us - providing us eternal salvation by His wounds.
"When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.' "
~ Matthew 9:36-38
In this world, there are spectators who only talk about what should be done, what they plan to do, and point out error in others. And then there are the laborers who only talk when necessary because they are too busy working and about the Lord's business instead of the world's business.
God is gracious and He is sovereign. And in His sovereignty, He gives us free will to choose whether we will be chatty spectators or humble laborers. Ruth, was most definitely a humble laborer who was mercifully welcomed into God's fold, although she was a Moabitess.
It is easy for us to seek God's face when we are in need or distressed. Not only is this fact true historically in the Bible, but I've found it to be true in my life as well. As with God's children of old, I too have cried out to God for deliverance and found it easy to be grateful when He provides refuge, comfort and grace in my time of need. But it seems that when we're doing well, when we're comfortable, we tend to forget the God who so generously provided us with His awesome presence and His glorious riches. We take God and His gifts for granted as if we somehow deserved or earned all that we have. Ironically, it is not in the difficult times that our humility is tested, but in the times of pleasantry.
"Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His rules and His statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God...Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' "
~ Deuteronomy 8:11-14(a) and 17
Unlike many of us, Ruth didn't forget the Lord her God who gave her her husband, then took him away. Instead she desired to stay near to Him, even if it meant that she would live in poverty, with an embittered, depressed mother-in-law in a foreign land where she might be belittled and mistreated because she was not an Israelite, but a Moabitess.
She then labored intensely in a field, gleaning like a beggar from what was left from the harvesters who had gone before her and already reaped the best of the grain from the field. Except for a short and necessary rest, she did not stop until she had reaped an ample amount to bring home to her mother-in-law, so they may eat and be satisfied.
And even when she caught Boaz's eye, she did not consider herself worthy. When Boaz spoke kindly to her, she did not do a "Yay me!" dance, but fell to the ground in humility and wondered why such a man like Boaz would dare to even notice a girl like her.
Ruth 4:14, 17 → Ruth's love, trust and full devotion to the God of Israel, allowed her to receive a rich and glorious blessing she could never do anything to deserve - she became the great-grandmother of King David and ultimately was privileged to be included in the earthly lineage of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
When we allow our pride to take us over, then we are actually choosing to step out of God's will - His protection and gracious blessings we could never dream of, earn or deserve. But when we humble ourselves, we willingly submit to God's authority, obey His commandments (which is love to God [1 John 5:3]).
The humility of a wife/mother tends to breed humility in those around her. Not because she boasts of this, but because the evidence of God's work is clearly manifested in her life a she decreases (humbles herself) all the more so that the life of Christ the Lord may increase.
For the perfect example of unnecessary honor and submissive obedience rendered, read: Luke 2:48-52
Elizabeth
A biblically submissive wife exudes: FAITH
Although both Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth were found to be righteous before God and walked "blamelessly in all the statutes of the Lord", Zechariah began to lose faith that a God would ever grant them a child. This fact is evidenced by his response of unbelief when the angel of the Lord, Gabriel spoke to him about the birth of John. Because Zechariah was hasty to utter anything before God (Ecclesiastes 5:2), Gabriel close his mouth of unbelief until it was time to name John (nearly an entire year).
When it was time to name their son, the other priests had been aware that Zechariah could not speak, so they were going to name him after Zechariah. But Zechariah's biblically submissive wife, Elizabeth humbly spoke up and said, "No; he shall be called John." In her time it was not seen as "proper" for a woman to speak up in such a manner, especially to correct other men. But she did not speak from her own, but only that which God had given her before-hand.
Elizabeth's faith exuded from her every being. She immediately accepted God's blessing of a baby when it seemed impossible, she prophesied when Mary came to see her in her six month, and she spoke only when necessary, with words from the Lord.
Her faith, built up her husband's faith and his speech was restored when he humbly agreed with the the words from his wife, because he now saw, that truly, it was the word from God.
Was it Elizabeth's words from much study and eloquence in which she expressed herself or her knowledge of spiritual matters that restored her husband's faith? No. It was by her good conduct that proved the work of her faith in teh meekness (humility) of wisdom (James 3:13)
In this lesson, we were blessed to visit with three sisters of old, who exemplified what biblical submission looks like in very different situations. We saw that a biblically submissive wife protects life, sows humility and exudes faith. And we also saw that these godly attributes were God-given gifts to each woman so that through her biblical submission generations after her will be blessed.
Homework:
- Don't rush through this lesson. There is a lot of Scripture to cover and it will not benefit you to merely skim through it. Meditate deeply on each Scripture/passage and write the Scripture/passage in which God quickens your heart to obedience and write everything the Lord reveals to you in your journals.
- Continue with your next day in your Love Dare Journal. Prayerfully consider any area in your life that is not fitting with these women we studied today and write a prayer of repentance and request to the Lord to make you the woman He has created you to be. Commit to work with the Holy Spirit and not against Him or "for" Him.
Gods Word is pure and wonderful inspiration! I want to be more humble today then what I was yesterday! I want God to help me become quiet and peaceful instead of opinionated which for me, means I am often too quick, to say too little! ...yours truely :}
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