As I prepared for today’s devotion there were three pieces of scripture that were available through the lectionary, Psalm 115, Judges 5:1-11, and 1 Corinthians 14:26-40. I have written about several of the Hallel Psalms, which means praise in Hebrew, and Psalm 115 is a part of those psalms. I have also written several times about Deborah, who was one of the great Old Testament prophetess and judges of Israel, and The Song of Deborah is found in Judges 5:1-11. Both of these pieces of scripture would have been a quick devotion for me to write. However, as I read 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, I realized that I have never written a devotion on this piece of scripture before, or on 1 Timothy 3:1-13, where Paul addresses women in ministry and leadership. In the past I shied away from these two passages and allowed the enemy to really mess with my mind. I thought that Paul’s message to these two churches were misogynistic, but I realize now that my lack of Biblical hermeneutics (the interpretation of Biblical texts) is what the enemy used to make me feel less as a woman, and he tries to do that with all of us.
During yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Mary said, “through our salvation, we are called to serve and love other people so that we can grow God’s Kingdom.” Friends, that call requires us to be true and authentic worshipers of Jesus Christ as each one of us come together as One Body and uses our spiritual gifts together.
I do want to address the context of verses 34 and 35 and at the bottom of this devotion I provided the references I used. There are various views that exist about these verses, but many traditionally held that women should not speak in public in mixed-gender company. Paul asked the women of the church in Corinth to stop interrupting the time of teaching during the church service, until they at least knew more, otherwise it was disruptive. The Biblical law does not include specific text that instructs silence or submission of women, Paul could be referring to the fact that informed listeners customarily asked questions and women were far less often trained in the Scriptures then men were at that time. In general, women received a given level of education that was only 10% as often as men of the same social class, while disciples of rabbis were always men, and although Jewish women could hear the Torah teachings in the synagogue, girls were not taught to recite it like the boys were required to do. Paul does not want these women to not learn, rather he tells them to learn in private instruction from their husbands, who were most likely educated, which was truly progressive for his day. Paul loved and honored women disciples of Jesus.
Jesus’ respect for women, and for all of His Creation, is that of dignity, worth, and true value. He includes everyone who wants to be His followers, to come and be His disciples and proclaim His life and message of love to the entire world. Our worth and value is found in Jesus. He is only One Who writes our story, and He uses each of our stories to connectively intersect with Him and with one another so that we can grow His Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (NLT)
A Call to Orderly Worship
26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.
27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately.
29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. 30 But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. 31 In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.[h]
34 Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. 35 If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings.[i]
36 Or do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians? Are you the only ones to whom it was given? 37 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. 38 But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized.[j]
39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for creating each one of us to be unique, treasured, and truly valued within Your Kingdom. Holy Spirit, continue to guide us with Your wisdom so that we are growing closer to You and firmer within Your Truth so that we can share Your love the way You created us to share it with others. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen.
References
Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012. (Original work
published 1996).
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. 2014.
<https://seu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/870994624>
Still, Todd D. Jesus and Paul on Women: Incomparable or Compatible? 2013.
< https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/jesus-and-paul-women-incomparable-or-compatible/#:~:text=It%20likely%20comes%20as%20little,this%20trajectory%20that%20we%20trace.&text=%E2%80%9CTherefore%2C%20if%20anyone%20is%20in,3:27%E2%80%9328>