They Who Served God

The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa -- the city of his birth -- but only on condition that the instrument never be played upon. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear.

As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay. The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic. The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning.

Today, we’ll look at different women that served God and think about their character in their work. Why? I feel that it is important to encourage and motivate women to be like the women who worked for God. To start our discussion off, I refer you to Acts 17:4, 12. Here, we can read that women played a significant role in the early church. While we don’t know who the women specifically were at Philippi or Thessalonica, we know that they composed a good sized part of the congregation.

In Jesus' ministry women played a great role, as well. After all, women were the first humans to witness that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead. And, while we don’t have a lot of detail about many of them, we know there were some women that worked for God.

When I think of women who worked for God, and their wonderful contributions, I also think of the strong traits they displayed in their works. Let us remember Sarah in Service (1 Peter 3:1-6). Deborah in Counsel (Judges 4). Deborah was a judge and prophetess in Israel. She counseled Barak as he battled Sisera, and in no small way helped Israel overcome their army. Then there is Hannah in Devotion (1 Samuel 1-2). Remember, Hannah had no children. But her faith was strong and she prayed to the Lord and devoted her firstborn to Him. Her prayers were answered, and Samuel was born.

I also think of the Widow of Zarephath in Hospitality (1 Kings 17:9ff). Due to drought there was a famine. The widow only had a small amount of food left, but she shared it with Elijah and was rewarded for it. Also, Mary in Priorities (Luke 10:38-42). Mary understood what was important and Jesus praised her for it.

We are fondly reminded of Dorcas in Charity (Acts 9:36ff). Dorcas was kind and did good things for others. She is especially remembered for how she took care of widows.
And lastly, Lois and Eunice in Parenting (2 Timothy 1:5). As Timothy’s mother and grandmother they are honored by how they raised him to be faithful. What a tribute to his maternal parents!

In conclusion, I have presented some women that served God in extraordinary capacities. They are an example to us, both men and women, in these areas of work and service. I hope they will motivate us to greater service. And along with that, I hope they will encourage our women to know that God sees their efforts.

Let us pray:

Lord, you call us to your service
and continue your saving work among us.
May your love never abandon us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

May God bless you,

Nikki