International Women's Day 2024 Through the Lens of the Bible
Updated: Mar 5
International Women's Day 2024 is this Friday, March 8th. It is a day to honor women of valor in the Bible and our everyday lives. It is a time to reflect on women's profound contributions, resilience, and strength throughout history. As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, let's turn to the Bible and see how women have left an indelible mark on Christian faith and humanity. The blood that ran through our sisters of the past runs through our sisters and spouses of today.
Mary: Mother of Jesus
Few would deny Mary, the mother of Jesus, a place of honor and reverence in our short list of women of valor. It took great courage for Mary to face the enemy in spiritual warfare. Mary's role in our salvation is critical as the chosen one through whom the Word became flesh. Through her humble acceptance of the angel Gabriel's message, Mary's obedience to God's will exemplifies unwavering faith and trust in Divine providence.
"And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus"... Luke 1:30-31, ESV.
Deborah: A Wise and Courageous Leader
Deborah is mentioned in the Book of Judges as a judge and prophetess. She is a woman of valor for her wisdom, leadership, and courage on the battlefield. Her steadfast faith guided the people of Israel during a tumultuous historical period. Her story reminds us of the transformative power of courage and conviction in adversity (Judges 4-5).
"The villagers ceased in Israel; they ceased to be until I arose; I, Deborah, arose as a mother in Israel." Judges 5:7, ESV.
Esther: A Queen's Courageous Stand
Queen Esther's story offers another snapshot of the courage and resilience of women in the Bible. Despite facing uncertain circumstances, Esther risked her life to advocate for her people and thwart a plot to annihilate them. Her bravery is a testament to the strength of standing up for justice and righteousness (Esther 4-9). It is also a reminder that sometimes we must humbly fall to our knees before being raised.
"Then Esther spoke again to the king. She fell at his feet and wept and pleaded with him to avert the evil plan of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews." Esther 8:3, ESV.
Ruth: Loyalty and Devotion
If you are looking for a story that captures the essence of devotion, loyalty, and perseverance, then Ruth is your hero. Ruth experienced profound hardship and loss, yet never lost her commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Through her unwavering faithfulness, Ruth became a beacon of hope and a living example of God's providence and redemption (Ruth 1-4). When Naomi encouraged her daughter-in-law to return to their people, look at what Ruth said.
"But Ruth said, do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Ruth 1:16, ESV.
Mary Magdalene: Witness to Resurrection
Mary Magdalene occupies a prominent place in the New Testament narrative as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She was among the first witnesses to the resurrection, entrusted with the profound message of hope and salvation. Mary's unwavering faith and devotion inspire all who seek to encounter the risen Christ (John 20:1-18).
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:11-14, ESV.
Priscilla: Partner in Ministry
Priscilla, alongside her husband Aquila, played a significant role in the early Christian church. As partners in ministry, they exemplified mutual respect, collaboration, and dedication to spreading the gospel message. Priscilla's leadership underscores women's vital contributions in shaping the early Christian community (Acts 18:1-3, 18-28; Romans 16:3-5).
"He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." Acts 18:26 ESV.
International Women's Day 2024: Honoring Women of Valor
On International Women's Day 2024, we celebrate these and countless other women of valor whose stories continue to inspire and resonate across generations. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering faith remind us of the transformative power of love, compassion, and following God's call on our lives.
As we commemorate this day, let us honor the achievements of women past and present and commit ourselves to fostering a future where all women are valued, empowered, and respected. We can draw inspiration from the women of the Bible and the women in our own households, churches, and neighborhoods.
Let's also reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs 31:30, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Let us praise and honor the women of valor in our midst, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our families, communities, and world.
Happy International Women's Day 2024 to all the women of valor!
