Sheila W. - June 4, 2011
Scripture:
Romans 16:1-4;6;12-13 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
Observation:
Paul is signing off his letter to the Romans by telling them to say "Hi" to these special people. There are women named in this list.
Application:
As I read through this last chapter of Romans, I was struck for the first time of how many women Paul names. Women weren't considered "equals" in the culture back then, and yet Paul goes out of his way to treat them as equals, not making inferences that they are "less" in any way. I love that the Lord doesn't see gender persay (yes, I know the roles of husbands and wives), but He sees us as His children, ready, willing, and able to do His work.
Prayer:
Father, just as Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis are described as having worked very hard for the Lord, I so want to be named. People, including Christians, can have a lot of things these days, but having a reputation of working for You has to be the best thing we can ask for. Let my work touch other people's lives for Your kingdom, Lord.
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