Ask the Pastor

Q: Who are some of the women in the New Testament?

A:
1. Elizabeth ... Luke 1. Elizabeth had a choice; taking a look at what was in front of her ... an old man and her own body, too old for conception, or putting her faith in God to fulfill a promise after all these years.

2. Mary ... Luke 1. Mary is probably most honored in her statement, "Here I am, a servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Truer humility cannot be found anywhere. How many of us have the humility to pray that prayer?!

3. Anna ... "a widow for 84 years" , Anna waited for God's promise of the Messiah to be fulfilled. How long, and for what of, the promises of God are we willing to wait? God's perfect timing ensures that we end up with the best gift.

4. Samaritan Woman at the well ... John 4. A spunky, quick, witty, and honest woman allows herself to be changed by Jesus. There's an intricate connection between seeing ourselves honestly, admitting our weaknesses, and living in Christ's strength.

5. Mary of Bethany, the Listener ... John 11. Can you imagine giving Jesus your full attention without allowing the distractions to creep in? How about waiting while hurt (Jesus did NOT show up in time to heal her brother)? Sometimes when we have to wait the hard way, God has something greater in mind!

6. Hemorrhaging Woman ... Luke 8. An outcast of all society, even worship, this unnamed woman of great faith was a loner by virtue of the flow of blood non-stop for 12 years. No doubt she was familiar with rejection, condemnation, embarrassment, and being unacceptable. Jesus spoke the most intimate words to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well." "Daughter!"

7. Salome ... Mt. 20:20-23; Mt.27:55-56; Mk. 16:1-2 The mother of James and John, asked a favor on behalf of her sons, not understanding Christ's priorities. Yet, instead of walking off, feeling rejected, she was there at Calvary, and at the empty tomb, faithful to the end ... .and the beginning!

8. Lydia ... Acts 16:13-15; Acts 16:40. A seller of purple cloth (the kind Jesus wore to Calvary), Lydia was a Gentile businesswoman who worshipped the Jewish God. In spite of the fact that her faith could drive away customers, she followed faithfully. When she heard one of Paul's sermons, she came to faith and had her whole family baptized.

9. Priscilla ... Acts 18; Romans 16:3; Priscilla and her husband were tentmakers who also founded the church in Ephesus. Priscilla taught many in ways of the faith in spite of the risk of doing so. One may call her a marathoner in the faith. She never quit, regardless of the circumstances.

10. Pilate's wife ... Matt. 27:19 Pilate, under heavy political pressure, initially sentemced Jesus to death. Pilate's wife spoke up for Jesus, declaring him innocent. Pilate then turned to the crowd, "Who do you want ... this man or Barrabas?" Pilate then washed his hands of the whole mess.

Girls/Women play a powerful role in the life of the Church. These are only 10; some unnamed because the author didn't think their names were important. To join this line of girls named or unnamed, would take a huge amount of courage and faith!

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The Augustanan
Newsletter
June 2004

This Issue:

Pastor's Message
Ask the Pastor
New Endowment Fund
Accessibility Update
Vespers Service
Getting to Know Us
Council Highlights
Moms and Pops
Around Augustana
Stewardship Message
Committee Schedule
Calendar

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Augustana Lutheran Church

Augustana Lutheran Church
2100 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-6507

Church Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm