Originally posted by JamesBell:
Jim,
If this is the order that God would have us follow, why did He not always follow it Himself?In Judges Chapter 4 we see evidence of a woman Judge, selected by God to lead His chosen people. In fact, she is one of my favorite leaders mentioned in the Bible. While the order you mentioned does make sense, especially given your reasoning... I just can't make it fit within the framework God has given us. For the same reason I can feel confident when saying that a woman should not serve as a Pastor, I feel confident saying that a woman can serve in other rolls of authority, especially in political matters.
Brother;
You missed the one thing which makes the difference. Sin. It is apparent that because of the sins of the MEN of Israel that God sent Deborah. I believe it was in order to shame them into repentance. But as Jesus said concerning divorce and the hardness of men's hearts; the principle applies in this area of authority also. God ALLOWS certain things because of men's hardness of heart. However; as Jesus said, "From the beginning it was not so."
In the beginning, God established His order of authority. We do great harm to ourselves, the church and society when we deviate from it.
What about 'queens" someone asked. No "queen" ought to rule apart from her KING. This is God's way. Does Jesus have a queen? No. But He does have a bride. Does the bride have any authority? Only that which is delegated to her as she is in
submission to her King. No submission = no authority.
Apart from the results of the fall, I say that no one can produce any examples of God endorsing a woman to be in a position of authority which is above her God given place of submission to another.
(I hope that wasn't too clunky)
A lot of things changed in western society at the turn of the 20th century. One of the most damaging to our society was the feminist movement. It wasn't GODLY women who promoted it. We have see disatrous results in society ever since then. This is the ROOT of this discussion. Feminism. Women wanted their SAY in matters. Whereas GOD has said, ye must be subject to your husbands. Ungodly women said "We will not have this MAN to rule over us."
The
BIBLICAL ORDER of authority for the church, home, and society is:
God
Jesus
Man
Woman
Children.
Any deviance from this is confusion.
In HIS service;
Jim