Women of The Sanctuary
The Church worldwide has long been guilty of crimes against women: Guilty of undermining and even, “Savaging” the role, the dignity and the vital ministries of women within its sphere and in doing so, crippling not only their unique roles but preventing the flow of blessing that comes from a Woman released to function and serve as an “elect vessel of God”.
Even in the church, and certainly the “World” there has been childish mirth, snide remarks about women by leadership so that for many, certainly, not all have felt they were second class “citizens” within the ranks of servanthood in the Church, both local and Universal.
The sacramental church relegated women to a very subsidiary role, that of mere servants but with the strong assertion that they were of little use outside of their clearly defined roles … the amount of women that gladly became Nuns with idealistic aspirations and in the passage of time became tormented, beleaguered and emotionally and mentally skewed is alarming. Stories of the voluntary humiliation and enforced degradation read like a horror novel.
Vatican 2 sought to rectify and address the harrowing situations that had become a criminal and litigious nightmare for the whole of the Catholic church heirachy and victims alike (the pain and torment that this system generated and perpetrated on the nuns was “passed on” to other victims, for an example, children in their care and under their control … abuse begets abuse) The roots of humiliation run very deep and with it the privations that they bring.
In case Evangelicals and Pentecostal devotees believe that no such scorn and humiliation exists within their circles, Think Again! … The whimsical and derisive comments made by many a preacher are not so “funny” to women who often feel to be merely “domestics” or “beasts of burden” to a husband and family that feels that’s the extent of their worth.
The rise of the Feminist movement with its demands and crudités did little to enhance the true dignity and worth of womanhood.
In so many ways it called women to fall in behind the battle lines and “take on” the bastion of Manhood and men in particular who needed to be “taught a lesson”, that not only were Women their equal but even superior in every way.
There is a better way … The Way of Divine disclosure and Revelation … “a helpmeet” and copartner, a Companion of Common Purpose with all the dignity and interdependence of a treasured relationship, from this great, interdependent relationship there is freedom to minister freely, individually and personally … in fields of opportunity as lead and conjointly agreed to, and supported by a supportive spouse.
Have you considered the amazing women of the Old and New Testaments? Visionary, vital, available and brave.
Next study we will take a couple of these amazing women and I’m sure we will be inspired to yield to God’s Divine Purpose, and serve Him with not only zeal but with amazing fruit.