JUDY W. HOWARD

For Women’s History Month I like to highlight a woman from the Bible from whom women can draw strength and/or encouragement.

This month I am taking a look at Abigail.

Abigail was the wife of Nabal. (1 Samuel 25). Nabal was very rich. The Bible says that Abigail was discerning and beautiful, but Nabal was harsh and badly behaved.  The story goes on to say that King David became aware of Nabal’s wealth and that he could afford to provide his army with a meal. He sent his young messenger to Nabal to greet him courteously and petition him for food for the men, particularly since David’s men had allowed Nabal’s workers to do their work in peace.

However, when Nabal received the message from David, he became indignant and said, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” (1 Samuel 25:10,11 ESV).

I should point out at this juncture that the translation of Nabal’s name is “fool.” 

“I am Black, yet comely.”  According to some historians, these words were spoken by the wife of King Solomon.

1 Kings 3:1 tells us that Solomon had made a marriage alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt, and this meant that Pharaoh’s daughter became his wife.  Solomon brought her from Egypt back to Jerusalem with him and made a very costly house for her (1 Kings 7:8).  He built her a lavish home, even before he built the defense fort (the Millo) (1 Kings 9:24 MSG).  Although Solomon married many other wives, she was the only one who had her own house. It was an exquisite palace.

This Christmas, God is calling you out.

If you remember, the first call out of Egypt occurred in the time of Moses. Israel (God’s son) had been living the Egypt since the time of Joseph.  Joseph had caused Israel to escape death by famine, by bringing them to Egypt; and there they experienced a period of great blessings and prosperity. However, after Joseph died and another leader (Pharaoh) came to power, things did not go well for Israel.

Israel suffered slavery – tremendous oppression – at the hands of hard task masters. They endured treatment as second-class citizens, and to make things worse, their worship to God was restricted.  Emotionally, they had had enough!!

So, God called them out of Egypt. He delivered them from under the hands of their oppressors and gave them joy, dancing, singing and freedom to worship.

Have you had enough?

In Genesis 1:2 it says that the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. In verse 3 it says, Then God said, “Let there be light!” – and there was light.

When God looked out and saw darkness, He said, “Light Be!”  In the darkness we have an opportunity to shine!

There are various kinds of darkness which we can encounter in our lives – natural darkness and spiritual darkness – physical, emotional, or psychological darkness.  Regardless of the kind of darkness, the anecdote is light.

Galations 5:1 – Stand fast (firm) in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free and be not again entangled in the yoke of bondage.

On this Independence weekend, the words of this verse is most appropriate. The Message translation states it this way:  “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

When Paul wrote these words, he was speaking about the requirement of circumcision which had been placed on the Jews in order to be accepted as a true Jew. He was pointing out that Jesus had set them free from this strict requirement because the shedding of His blood had made us one people.

March has been designated as Women’s History Month, so I wanted to take a brief moment to look back at a woman from whom we can learn.

This woman is featured in the Bible as a woman who, because of her unselfishness and her trust in God, was able to save herself, her family and her nation from disaster.

Taking a look at some of the attributes that made her successful will enable the 21^st century woman to be all that she can be – fearless, wise, knowledgeable and commanding respect.  This speaks of knowing your identity.

Christian Eagles can draw knowledge and strength from some of the attributes of a natural eagle. As we look forward towards our 2020 goals, there is wisdom that we can glean.

Scripture says: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  They shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

This verse has been my guide for many years, lighting the course of my life.  The eagle has become my symbol because of the encouragement I gain just from looking at its stance in flight.

When I look at the eagle in flight, I see greatness.  I see success.  I see elegance.  These are attributes which serve as examples for my life, and which inspire me to keep on believing, keep on achieving, keep on climbing, and keep on expecting to reach the highest pinnacle of success attainable.