Last week we looked at Job and Cornelius, faithful Gentiles. This week we meet Ruth and Hannah, quintessential faithful women.
It’s important to read Bible stories about women with a keen eye since their time and place and culture were so very different than ours. The Bible was authored by men and – even though I trust their integrity – male bias is obvious and inevitable. From the Old Testament all the way through the New Testament, women lived in a hierarchical, patriarchal society and their stories are related to us by the men who sought to give them voice and presence. I often wonder what these stories would say if the women themselves were able to tell them.
It’s important for us to read with open minds (as much as possible). How men and women related to one another in this ancient day was their own reality. It’s tempting for us to judge them according to our own reality but that is a futile exercise. Avoid judging but watch and see what they have to teach you.
Also, as you read, remember that millions of women still live similar lives in many cultures across our current world.
Our reading for this week has us begin again in the Gospel of John. We read John earlier this year but now we will take our time and soak it in. Chapter 1 is the rich and profound prologue. See below Charlotte’s overview on John’s Jesus.
As You Read: John’s Jesus
https://livinginthestory.com/2015/07/johns-jesus/
Living in The Story blog for Week 25
https://livinginthestory.com/2015/08/faithful-women/
