Women Of The Light
Children's program
WHO - ME? DO A PROGRAM? Volume 2
Program Resources For Congregational Events
Leader's Helps
Participants
Leader
Women of the Light:
Noah's Wife Sarah
Miriam Hannah
Abigail Esther
Gomer Mary
Songs
"Earth And All Stars" by H. F. Brokering
Refrain: "As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world." (Tune on song sheet; sung by Women of the Light.)
Congregational Response: "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Bulletin
Women Of The Light
A Witness Of Women To Faith
L: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." (Genesis 1:1--3)
C: Let there be light in our midst, O Lord.
L: Our opening worship celebrates Women of the Light. These women witnessed a faith in God. We rejoice in the light of grace and love that God brought into the lives of these various women from the Bible. May they challenge us today to witness to our faith in the true light of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Creator God, shine your light into our midst, that we might also become Women of the Light witnessing to our faith in Jesus. Amen.
Hymn "Earth And All Stars!" (vv. 1 and 2)
Woman of the Light Noah's Wife
L: Lord of Promise, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Sarah
L: Lord of Hope, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Miriam
L: Lord of Intercession, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Hannah
L: Lord of Union, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Abigail
L: Lord of the Law, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in out midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of the World"
Woman of the Light Esther
L: Lord of Desire, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Gomer
L: Lord of Love, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Mary
L: As Women of the Light, we acknowledge our imperfections and praise God for still loving us.
C: As Women of the Light we now go forth challenged by God's grace to be witnesses to that love and forgiveness.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
L: Truly we have seen God's light.
C: Praise God who made us Women of the Light. Amen.
Program
Women Of The Light Reading Parts
Noah's Wife
It seems like only yesterday that God was busy creating the earth and all the heavens. God's Spirit dramatically blew about as creation sang a new song. Things were great until sin entered the world. Just look at the mess we're in now! It was the same in my time as I cared for Noah and our three sons. The boys and I watched Noah prosper. We were proud of his accomplishments. Noah was a good man. He did all the right things. He brought comfort to his parents in their old age, working hard to make life nice for us all. However, the world we lived in was very wicked. In fact, all its energies seemed to be poured into evil - but not Noah's. I did become a little concerned though when all of a sudden the energy he used to work became focused on a massive building project. He told us that God had told him to build an ark. An ark? We weren't in the shipping business, so wouldn't you be concerned? Then he was forecasting a flood. As I looked around, I didn't see any storm clouds anywhere. Noah told us that God was going to put an end to all life as we knew it, but he would spare us. That was good news! But there were more instructions. Collecting two of every species to be housed on that ark was going to be a challenge, but God took care of that. He brought them to us. Thank goodness! Safaris were never my love. It sure was cramped in that boat with all those beasts, insects, and other wildlife. The rains came just as God promised, and what a commotion occurred outside as life perished. There was darkness for a long time, but then the light did come again. Finally God told us to come out. What a relief! Dry ground and sunshine.
I had a lot of time on board to reevaluate my faith concerning God. I had looked to my husband and the labors of our hands to secure a future. I had looked to the world to provide for us. All this changed in forty days and forty nights. We had been forced to rely totally on God, and his light brought new hope for us. As a sign of hope, God sent light in the form of a beautiful rainbow. God told us that this would be a sign of the covenant he was making with us never again to allow the waters to flood and destroy the earth. God's grace and love came to us that day in the form of light and has been handed down to all generations. Have you seen the light? Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Sarah
"A God of Promise" - that's what I kept hearing from a wrinkled old man. I still remember when Abram told me that a son would come out of his own body. How I agonized over that promise. You see, I was barren. Giving Hagar to him to produce that child only messed up the situation. Then God appeared again to that husband of mine, changing our names and telling him once more that I'd be a mother. The years passed. We both aged. "We serve a God of Promise," Abraham would remind me. Looking at our bodies I began to lose sight of that hope. Then came that day when some unusual visitors stopped by and had a meal with us. The promise was repeated, but this time with a date. Next year a son would be born to us.
How I laughed as I thought of two old, worn--out bodies producing enough energy just to topple into bed at night, let alone coming together to produce new life. But God heard my laughter and admonished me. I laughed because I was looking at my circumstances. My years of childbearing had come to an end. It was impossible to conceive at my age. However, God reminded us that all things are possible for the Lord.
I looked to the self to fulfill the promise. God looked not at the worn vessels of his creation but beyond to the promise. I looked with physical eyes. God looked with eternal eyes. God shone that creative light into our spirits, giving hope and imparting faith to my husband to believe that a mighty nation would issue from his loins. God shone his light into my very physical being, planting life in my womb and hope into my heart. That light shone forth in my face as I looked upon that child of promise, little Isaac.
God's grace and love came to me in spite of my unbelief and my continual looking to myself to accomplish what God said he would do. As I held that baby, I felt truly blessed. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Miriam
It isn't fair! I saved his life! If it wasn't for me taking the risk and putting him in that basket so he could float over to the daughter of Pharaoh, Moses wouldn't have been given the position in Pharaoh's house that he enjoyed. Hebrew boy babies were being killed. Nobody asked, but I went the extra mile to make sure he was safe and to secure his own mother as a wet nurse for him. But when he grew up, did he remember me? He didn't know his own people. After hearing how he had killed a man and fled to the desert, I lost hope. I had helped put him into a position of power that might have helped us out of our bondage. But Moses' anger got in his way, and he turned tail and ran.
When I heard he had returned, hope was born anew in my spirit. Yet things only got worse with all the trouble he stirred up at court. However, I sat back in awe of the power of God displayed through my brother.
What signs and wonders we observed! I lifted my tambourine and danced with joy as my fellow sisters in faith celebrated the victory our God had done delivering us from Egypt. "I will sing unto the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider thrown into the sea!"
What hope we had as a nation went forth under Moses' leadership. Faith was high and spirits were good. But when the going got rough, did he ask my advice? Did he remember then all I had done for him? Now, I ask you, wouldn't you wonder who put him in charge? By what authority did he have the right to boss us around? This manna stuff was boring. My feet were tired. Then my brother went and married "that woman." Well, what would Mother have said? A Cushite woman. Tsk. Tsk. But it was more than that. Even Aaron, who had been given a priestly position, thought Moses was lording it over us. I should have held my tongue. Have you ever been called out by God? Well, it wasn't a pleasant experience as the three of us came out of the Tent of Meeting. God's anger blazed, and there I stood. All that position I had trusted in was gone. As Moses' sister, I had enjoyed a certain influence among others. Now all that was eliminated with the knowledge that lepers had to be banished to the outside of camp.
The light had gone out for me. Hope was abandoned. But God's light came to me as I heard my brothers intercede for me. Aaron implored Moses' forgiveness, and Moses asked God to heal me. God's grace and love came to me in that I did not remain a leper. I was confined outside camp for seven days, during which time I thought a lot about those things I trusted in and this God we were following.
I had looked to position to fulfill my desires. I thought being elevated in the eyes of others would bring happiness and security. God shone his light upon me, allowing me to be alone and secluded with him for a time. In my grief, I realized my priorities were in the wrong place. If God's grace had not been bestowed, I would have been out of fellowship with others for the rest of my life. But my community waited for me and welcomed me back.
Moses forgave and embraced me again. Aaron embraced me. My family was one again. The leprosy disappeared as fast as it had come. The law was fulfilled with my expulsion, but grace was bestowed in forgiveness. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
Hannah
Oh, what despair I felt. Year after year I would enter the house of the Lord with my sacrifice. Year after year I offered to God a double portion my husband had given me. Year after year my rival provoked me until I wept and could not eat. She had given my husband sons and daughters. All I could give Elkanah was my love. He loved me more than her, and she knew that. So that only made her comments more biting. Elkanah did not understand. He had not been deprived of a child. He frolicked with their children and instructed them in the law, but they were her children, not mine. Oh, how I sought the Lord to give me a son. I felt that my prayers of intercession fell upon deaf ears as year after year I returned childless to God's house. In bitterness of soul I made a vow asking God to look upon my misery and remember me. If God would give me a child, I promised to consecrate him to the Lord's service in the temple. That crazy priest, Eli, thought I was drunk. Hadn't he ever seen a woman so desperate in prayer before? My anguish was so great, my grief so real. I needed a child of my own. God's light came to me in the birth of my son, Samuel, bringing me joy, but then pain. Oh, the agony I felt as I remembered my vow to the Lord. That year I remained behind and did not go up to sacrifice with the rest. I needed more time with my child of answered prayer. "When he is weaned," I told my husband, "then I will bring him to the house of the Lord." It was so difficult to bring that small lad to Eli, but I had made a vow. I had to let go and have faith that Samuel would be taken care of and loved. As I placed him in the care of Eli, I knew that he was destined for greater things than I could give him, for he would dwell in the presence of God and serve the Lord faithfully. Each year I looked forward to seeing my son. I worked hard on the little robes I made to bring him at the time of sacrifice.
God's light again came to me, and my arms were filled with life. Three sons and two daughters brought joy to my spirit, but only God's grace brought peace to my heart. I had looked to a child to fulfill the longing in my heart. I had looked to a child to give me happiness. I had not focused on the one to whom I sacrificed year after year. Now I became more aware of the grace and love of God as I watched my son serve our Lord. Knowledge that my firstborn resided with the Lord and heard God's voice enabled me to lift my praises to a God who hears and answers prayer. As Samuel grew and became the great prophet/priest of Israel, I grew in faith and the power of prayer. God's plan is so much more than we expect. My child grew to lead his people into deeper commitment to their God. Samuel would anoint God's kings. I now can see beyond my own desires to God's desire for his children. Union with my husband brought forth a child, but union with God brought forth peace in my life. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Abigail
What a union I found myself in. Of course, in those days mar--riages were arranged. My parents should have checked further than this man's pocketbook before they consented to our marriage. Nabal owned lots of property and livestock. He was considered a fine catch. But I was not a bad catch myself. I was beautiful as well as intelligent. Nabal was surly and mean in his dealings. Life with him was not all that pleasant - in fact, it was a very cold marriage.
The nation was in such turmoil during those days. It was rumored that the priest Samuel had anointed David as king over Israel, but now Samuel was dead, and King Saul was trying to kill David. I never got involved in politics. It was not a woman's place. We were taught to respect our husband, to raise our children, to care for their needs, and to shepherd our flocks. That was enough for me, considering Nabal's temperament.
I tried to be hospitable to my husband's friends because hospitality was not Nabal's middle name nor was gratitude in his spirit. When I heard that he had refused hospitality to David and his men who had protected his shepherds and their flocks, I was aghast! What a cold reception our new king received from my husband. I lost no time in sending bread, sheep, cakes, grain, and wine in apology. I humbled myself and rode out to meet this great warrior. I interceded for my household in spite of its wicked master. I entreated David to spare my family, receive my offering, and forgive my offense.
God's light came to me through this experience. For in humbling myself and using the good judgment God had blessed me with, David remembered me when Nabal's wrongdoings came upon his head. I would have had a hard time of it as Nabal's widow, but God's grace and love was extended through the hands of one who had the power of death or life.
I had looked to my husband to give me happiness and security. I found that this was not to be. When I humbled myself and interceded for others, I received new life. God set me free, and I went forth into a new marriage ready to serve God as David's wife. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
Esther
The law - that's what got my people Israel into trouble. All they had to do was love the Lord and follow God's commands. They refused to do that and captivity in Persia resulted. Laws do have their proper place in life. Take Queen Vashti's conduct. It resulted in the King's proclaiming an edict that all women would respect their husbands from the least to the greatest. A noble law, and one that removed her from her position and caused me to become queen. I respected the authority of my husband King Xerxes, but I also watched as wicked men like Haman used the law to gain their own advantage. Poor Uncle Mordecai. He surely rubbed Haman the wrong way. However, the law is there for a reason. Haman would have destroyed my people to get revenge on one person. Mordecai wanted me to approach the king and intercede for my people. He reminded me that it was not by accident but divine appointment that I was raised to this position of queen. I had my people fast for me. Then I risked my life and exercised my faith in God by going against the law. For if one approached the king without being summoned, she could lose her life. God's light shone upon me as the king extended his golden scepter. Grace was imparted through the king's love for me as I shared my plans with the king to hold a banquet. I used the system to my advantage and through love and hospitality made Haman the object of the king's wrath. For when Xerxes found out what the man was really like, he hung Haman on the gallows he had prepared to hang Uncle Mordecai on. But a king's law stands firm, and my people would still perish unless there was divine intercession. That came when the king granted the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves. The tables were turned on those who sought to use the law to gain their own advantage.
I had looked to a legal system as a means of security, but God made me go against it. The security of my nation was at stake. I had to place my people's salvation and God's will over my own desire to live. God's light came to me in that same system which could have destroyed me, and grace and love were imparted through the mercy of the king. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Gomer
"Desire" - that was my ambition in life! Lust burned within me. "Hot--blooded" you might call me, but I knew what I liked. Now, you fine ladies might look down upon one such as me, but men looked at me with different eyes. Even that man of God, Hosea. God told him to marry me. He "desired" me and that was his downfall. God permitted him to carry out that desire by taking me as his wife.
What a foolish man I married! He was warned by God that I would be unfaithful. Marriage did not curb my desires. Even children did not stop me from my unfaithful ways. Sure, I felt bad for the way I treated all of them, but I could not give up my sin. Just as the people of Israel couldn't give up sinning and return to God. I had a craving in my flesh that burned within me. I just had to satisfy it. It felt so good.
Yet God's light and love reached out to me in the darkness which surrounded and consumed me. Adultery was my sin, but my husband showed mercy to me, redeeming me from my bondage and welcoming me back to live with him alone. He paid a price for my unfaithfulness. Yet he extended grace and love through his words and actions. I was commanded to give up my wicked ways and live out my life with those who truly cared for me. God's light revealed my rebellion. The choice was up to me. I had lived in darkness for so long, but my spirit longed to embrace the light.
The grace God offered me and offers you today is well worth considering. I had always sought happiness in the desire of the flesh. I had trusted in my looks to keep that desire burning in those I kept company with. Now I was being challenged to look to the love of husband and faith in God as my source of happiness. What would I choose?
I could have stayed outside the light of what I knew in my heart was right. But I was convicted of my sin, and chose to return to Hosea and his love. I chose to return to God and receive his forgiveness and love. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Mary
It has often been said that when something important is about to happen in the Lord's plan for the world, God will choose the young to be a part of it for they are full of energy, willing to risk, and are more open to his plans.
I was so young when the angel came to me and told me God's plan of salvation. We had always heard of the promised Messiah, the one God would send to be the Savior of the world. But those were the stories passed down through the generations. God loved his nation Israel, and he had promised to deliver them. As I listened to the angel tell me that I had found favor with God, I felt so special, so loved by my Lord. Yet I was troubled with the greeting and even more puzzled by the message. I did not doubt that God could and would accomplish his plans, but my part in the whole matter had to be clarified. I was a virgin and had no intentions of being with a man until I was wed to Joseph. When God revealed that the child would be conceived through the power of the Spirit, I took the first step by giving my consent and accepting God's plan by faith. "Lord, may it be done unto me as you have said."
I looked to God to do the impossible, and God did. God's light overshadowed me. God's love wrapped around my youthful frame and planted life within. God's grace was extended to me because of my willingness to obey him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I felt a part of that love as Christ was born in me. I would come to know that love more fully as I watched him suffer and die for my salvation and the salvation of the world.
I come now with my sisters of the light who stand as witnesses to a faith in God. I join Noah's wife who looked to her labors and the world for happiness, Sarah who looked to herself to bring about God's plan, Miriam who looked to position for fulfillment, Hannah who looked to a child to bring her joy, Abigail who looked to others for security, Esther who looked to the law to save her, and Gomer who looked to the flesh.
God's grace came to me and comes to us in his light. Imperfect as we are, God realizes that those imperfections exist because of sin. God restored us to wholeness through the sacrifice of Jesus, his Son, and calls us to go into an imperfect world to be the light of his grace and to let that love shine for others. Hope comes as we then offer forgiveness and love to those who are imperfect too. Faith comes in believing God and trusting in his promises. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Adapted Version
God's Light Shines
Letter From Noah's Wife
God's Light Shines
In this program (or week of journey), we will be hearing from six women who "saw the light!" Journey with us as we read their personal encounters with the light in the form of personal letters to you.
Dear Friends of the Light:
It seems like only yesterday that God was busy creating the earth and all the heavens. God's Spirit dramatically blew as creation sang a new song. Things were great until sin entered the world. Just look at the mess we're in now!
It was the same in my time as I cared for Noah and our three sons. The boys and I watched as Noah prospered. We were proud of his accomplishments. Noah was a good man. He did all the right things. He brought comfort to his parents in their old age, working hard to make life nice for us all. However, the world we lived in was very wicked. In fact, all its energies seemed to be poured into evil - but not Noah's. However, I became alarmed when all of a sudden he became focused on a massive building project. He told us that God had told him to build an ark. An ark? We weren't in the shipping business, so wouldn't you be concerned? Then he began forecasting a flood. As I looked around, I didn't see a storm cloud anywhere.
Noah told us that God was going to put an end to all life as we knew it, but he would spare us. That was good news! But there were more instructions. We were to collect two of every species to be housed on that ark. Now that was going to be a challenge! But God took care of that. He brought them to us. Thank goodness! Safaris were never my passion. It sure was cramped in that boat with all those beasts, insects, and other wildlife. The rains came just as God promised, and what a commotion occurred outside as life perished. There was darkness for a long time, but then the light did come again. Finally God told us to come out. What a relief! Dry ground and sunshine.
I had a lot of time on board to reevaluate my faith concerning God. I had looked to my husband and the labors of our hands to secure a future. I had looked to the world to provide for us. All this changed in forty days and forty nights. We had been forced to rely totally on God, and his light brought new hope for us. As a sign of hope, God sent light through a beautiful rainbow. God told us that this would be a sign of the covenant he was making with us never again to allow the waters to flood and destroy the earth. God's grace and love came to us that day in the form of light and has been handed down to all generations. Have you seen the light? Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Peace,
Noah's Wife (Genesis 6--9)
Letter From Sarah
A God Of Promise
Hear a note of hope from an Old Testament woman who shares how God's light came to her.
Dear Friends of the Light:
"A God of Promise" - that's what I kept hearing from a wrinkled old man. I still remember when Abram told me that a son would come out of his own body. How I agonized over that promise. You see, I was barren. Giving Hagar to him to produce that child only messed up the situation. Then God appeared again to that husband of mine, changing our names and telling him once more that I'd be a mother. The years passed. We both aged. "We serve a God of Promise," Abraham would remind me. Looking at our bodies I began to lose sight of that hope. Then came that day when some unusual visitors stopped by and had a meal with us. The promise was repeated, but this time with a date. Next year a son would be born to us.
How I laughed as I thought of two old, worn--out bodies producing enough energy just to topple into bed at night, let alone coming together to produce new life. But God heard my laughter and admonished me. I laughed because I was looking at my circumstances. My years of childbearing had come to an end. It was impossible to conceive at my age. However, God reminded us that all things are possible for the Lord.
I looked to the self to fulfill the promise. God looked not at the worn vessels of his creation but beyond to the promise. I looked with physical eyes. God looked with eternal eyes. God shone that creative light into our spirits, imparting hope and faith to my husband to believe that a mighty nation would issue from his loins. God shone his light into my very physical being, planting life in my womb and hope into my heart. That light shone forth in my face as I looked upon that child of promise, little Isaac.
God's grace and love came to me in spite of my unbelief and my continual looking to myself to accomplish what God said he would do. As I held that baby, I felt truly blessed. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Embraced by the Light,
Sarah (Genesis 16--18, 21)
Letter From Miriam
A Family Affair
We often take "light" to our families. Read a letter from a sister concerning her feelings about her brothers and the way God was working with all of them.
Dear Friends of the Light:
It isn't fair! I saved his life! If it wasn't for me taking the risk and putting him in that basket so he could float over to the daughter of Pharaoh, Moses wouldn't have been given the position in Pharaoh's house that he enjoyed. Hebrew boy babies were being killed. Nobody asked, but I went the extra mile to make sure he was safe and to secure his own mother as a wet nurse for him. But when he grew up, did he remember me? He didn't know his own people. After hearing how he had killed a man and fled to the desert, I lost hope. I had helped put him into a position of power that might have helped us out of our bondage. But Moses' anger got in his way, and he turned tail and ran.
When I heard he had returned, hope was born anew in my spirit. Yet things only got worse with all the trouble he stirred up at court. However, I sat back in awe of the power of God displayed through my brother. What signs and wonders we observed! I lifted my tambourine and danced with joy as my fellow sisters in faith celebrated the victory our God had done delivering us from Egypt: "I will sing unto the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider thrown into the sea!"
What hope we had as our people went forth under Moses' leadership. Faith was high and spirits were good. But when the going got rough, did he ask my advice? Did he remember then all I had done for him? Now, I ask you, wouldn't you wonder who put him in charge? By what authority did he have the right to boss us around? This manna stuff was boring. My feet were tired. Then my brother went and married "that woman." Well, what would Mother have said? A Cushite woman. Tsk. Tsk. But it was more than that. Even Aaron, who had been given a priestly position, thought Moses was lording it over us. I should have held my tongue. Have you ever been called out by God? Well, it wasn't a pleasant experience as the three of us came out of the Tent of Meeting. God's anger blazed, and there I stood. All that position I had trusted in was gone. As Moses' sister, I had enjoyed a certain influence among others. Now all that was eliminated with the knowledge that lepers had to be banished to the outside of camp.
The light had gone out for me. Hope was abandoned. But God's light came to me as I heard my brothers intercede for me. Aaron implored Moses' forgiveness, and Moses asked God to heal me. God's grace and love came to me in that I did not remain a leper. I was confined outside camp for seven days, during which time I thought a lot about those things I trusted in and this God we were following.
I had looked to position to fulfill my desires. I thought being elevated in the eyes of others would bring happiness and security. God shone his light upon me, allowing me to be alone and secluded with him for a time. In my grief, I realized my priorities were in the wrong place. If God's grace had not been bestowed, I would have been out of fellowship with others for the rest of my life. But my community waited for me and welcomed me back.
Moses forgave and embraced me again. Aaron embraced me. My family was one again. The leprosy disappeared as fast as it had come. The law was fulfilled with my expulsion, but grace was bestowed in forgiveness. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
Your Sister from Old,
Miriam (Exodus 2, 20--21, Numbers 12)
Letter From Abigail
A Chilly Embrace
So far we have looked at Noah's wife, Sarah, and Miriam who have been embraced by the light. Hear today from one Old Testament woman who found that a chilly embrace was costly.
Dear Friends of the Light:
What a union I found myself in. Of course, in those days marriages were arranged. My parents should have checked further than this man's pocketbook before they consented to our marriage. Nabal owned lots of property and livestock. He was considered a fine catch. But I was not a bad catch myself. I was beautiful as well as intelligent. Nabal was surly and mean in his dealings. Life with him was not all that pleasant - in fact, it was a very cold marriage.
The nation was in such turmoil during those days. It was rumored that the priest Samuel had anointed David as king over Israel. Now Samuel was dead, and King Saul was trying to kill David. I never got involved in politics. It was not a woman's place. We were taught to respect our husband, raise our children, care for their needs, and shepherd our flocks. That was enough for me, considering Nabal's temperament.
I tried to be hospitable to my husband's friends because hospitality was not Nabal's middle name nor was gratitude in his spirit. When I heard that he had refused hospitality to David and his men who had protected his shepherds and their flocks, I was aghast! What a cold reception our new king received from my husband. I lost no time in sending bread, sheep, cakes, grain, and wine in apology. I humbled myself and rode out to meet this great warrior. I interceded for my household in spite of its wicked master. I entreated David to spare my family, receive my offering, and forgive my offense.
God's light came to me through this experience. For in humbling myself and using the good judgment God had blessed me with, David remembered me when Nabal's wrongdoings came upon his head. I would have had a hard time of it as Nabal's widow, but God's grace and love was extended through the hands of one who had the power of death or life.
I had looked to my husband to give me happiness and security. I found that this was not to be. When I humbled myself and interceded for others, I received new life. God set me free, and I went forth into a new marriage ready to serve God as David's wife. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
May the Warmth of God's Light Embrace You,
Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
Letter From Gomer
Outside The Light
Today we hear from one woman who lived outside the light of God. Her sinful ways made her embrace the darkness to cover her betrayal. Hear how she found the light.
Dear Friends of the Light:
"Desire" - that was my ambition in life! Lust burned within me. "Hot--blooded" you might call me, but I knew what I liked. Now, you fine people might look down upon one such as me, but a lot of the men in my community looked at me with different eyes. Even that man of God, Hosea. God told him to marry me. He "desired" me and that was his downfall. God permitted him to carry out that desire by taking me as his wife.
What a foolish man I married! He was warned by God that I would be unfaithful. Marriage did not curb my desires. Even children did not stop me from my unfaithful ways. Sure, I felt bad for the way I treated all of them, but I could not give up my sin - just as the people of Israel couldn't give up sinning and return to God. I had a craving in my flesh that burned within me. I just had to satisfy it. It felt so good.
Yet God's light and love reached out to me in the darkness which surrounded and consumed me. Adultery was my sin, but my husband showed mercy to me, redeeming me from my bondage and welcoming me back to live with him alone. He paid a price for my unfaithfulness. Yet he extended grace and love through his words and actions. I was commanded to give up my wicked ways and live out my life with those who truly cared for me. God's light revealed my rebellion. The choice was up to me. I had lived in darkness for so long, but my spirit longed to embrace the light.
The grace God offered me and offers you today is well worth considering. I had always sought happiness in the desires of the flesh. I had trusted in my looks to keep that desire burning in those I kept company with. Now I was being challenged to look to the love of husband and faith in God as my source of happiness. What would I choose?
I could have stayed outside the light of what I knew in my heart was right. But I was convicted of my sinful ways, and I chose to return to Hosea and his love. I chose to return to God and receive his forgiveness and love. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
A Forgiven Sinner,
Gomer (Hosea 1--3)
Letter From Mary
Shine! Shine! Shine!
A lot of you have probably seen the movie Shine. It's a story of a young man who had a beautiful gift of playing the piano. However, the treatment he received from his father caused him to break. It took him a long time to shine again, but shine he did. God had a plan for David's life, and now he is on the way to wellness as he tours our nation. But I would like to share another shining moment with you. So far this week we have looked at five Old Testament witnesses who came to God's light. Let's hear today from a very special New Testament woman.
Dear Friends of the Light:
It has often been said that when something important is about to happen in the Lord's plan for the world, God will choose the young to be a part of it for they are full of energy, willing to risk, and are open to his plans.
I was so young when the angel came to me and told me God's plan of salvation. We had always heard of the promised Messiah, the one God would send to be the Savior of the world. But those were stories passed down through generations. God loved his nation Israel, and he had promised to deliver them. As I listened to the angel tell me that I had found favor with God, I felt so special, so loved by my Lord. Yet I was troubled with the greeting and even more puzzled by the message. I did not doubt that God could and would accomplish his plans, but my part in the whole matter had to be clarified. I was a virgin and had no intentions of being with a man until I was wed to Joseph. When God revealed that the child would be conceived through the power of the Spirit, I took the first step by giving my consent and accepting God's plan by faith. "Lord, may it be done unto me as you have said."
I looked to God to do the impossible, and God did. God's light overshadowed me. God's love wrapped around my youthful frame and planted life within. God's grace was extended to me because of my willingness to obey him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I felt a part of that love as Jesus was born in me. I would come to know that love more fully as I watched him suffer and die for my salvation and the salvation of the world.
I come now with my sisters of the light who stand as witnesses to a faith in God. I join Noah's wife who looked to her labors and the world for happiness, Sarah who looked to herself to bring about God's plan, Miriam who looked to position for fulfillment, Abigail who looked to others for security, and Gomer who looked to the flesh.
God's grace came to me and comes to us in his light. Imperfect as we are, God realizes that those imperfections exist because of sin. God restored us to wholeness through the sacrifice of Jesus, his Son, and calls us to go into an imperfect world to be the light of his grace and to let that love shine for others. Hope comes as we then offer forgiveness and love to those who are imperfect too. Faith comes in believing God and trusting in his promises. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
May the Light of our Risen Savior shine in your hearts and lives.
Your Sister in Faith,
Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Luke 2)
Participants
Leader
Women of the Light:
Noah's Wife Sarah
Miriam Hannah
Abigail Esther
Gomer Mary
Songs
"Earth And All Stars" by H. F. Brokering
Refrain: "As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world." (Tune on song sheet; sung by Women of the Light.)
Congregational Response: "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Bulletin
Women Of The Light
A Witness Of Women To Faith
L: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." (Genesis 1:1--3)
C: Let there be light in our midst, O Lord.
L: Our opening worship celebrates Women of the Light. These women witnessed a faith in God. We rejoice in the light of grace and love that God brought into the lives of these various women from the Bible. May they challenge us today to witness to our faith in the true light of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Creator God, shine your light into our midst, that we might also become Women of the Light witnessing to our faith in Jesus. Amen.
Hymn "Earth And All Stars!" (vv. 1 and 2)
Woman of the Light Noah's Wife
L: Lord of Promise, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Sarah
L: Lord of Hope, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Miriam
L: Lord of Intercession, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Hannah
L: Lord of Union, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Abigail
L: Lord of the Law, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in out midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of the World"
Woman of the Light Esther
L: Lord of Desire, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Gomer
L: Lord of Love, we thank you for your light.
C: Let there be light in our midst.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
Woman of the Light Mary
L: As Women of the Light, we acknowledge our imperfections and praise God for still loving us.
C: As Women of the Light we now go forth challenged by God's grace to be witnesses to that love and forgiveness.
Refrain by Women of the Light (presenters sing refrain):
As Women of the Light, we exhort you to go and share God's love with the world.
Congregational Response "Listen! You Nations Of The World"
L: Truly we have seen God's light.
C: Praise God who made us Women of the Light. Amen.
Program
Women Of The Light Reading Parts
Noah's Wife
It seems like only yesterday that God was busy creating the earth and all the heavens. God's Spirit dramatically blew about as creation sang a new song. Things were great until sin entered the world. Just look at the mess we're in now! It was the same in my time as I cared for Noah and our three sons. The boys and I watched Noah prosper. We were proud of his accomplishments. Noah was a good man. He did all the right things. He brought comfort to his parents in their old age, working hard to make life nice for us all. However, the world we lived in was very wicked. In fact, all its energies seemed to be poured into evil - but not Noah's. I did become a little concerned though when all of a sudden the energy he used to work became focused on a massive building project. He told us that God had told him to build an ark. An ark? We weren't in the shipping business, so wouldn't you be concerned? Then he was forecasting a flood. As I looked around, I didn't see any storm clouds anywhere. Noah told us that God was going to put an end to all life as we knew it, but he would spare us. That was good news! But there were more instructions. Collecting two of every species to be housed on that ark was going to be a challenge, but God took care of that. He brought them to us. Thank goodness! Safaris were never my love. It sure was cramped in that boat with all those beasts, insects, and other wildlife. The rains came just as God promised, and what a commotion occurred outside as life perished. There was darkness for a long time, but then the light did come again. Finally God told us to come out. What a relief! Dry ground and sunshine.
I had a lot of time on board to reevaluate my faith concerning God. I had looked to my husband and the labors of our hands to secure a future. I had looked to the world to provide for us. All this changed in forty days and forty nights. We had been forced to rely totally on God, and his light brought new hope for us. As a sign of hope, God sent light in the form of a beautiful rainbow. God told us that this would be a sign of the covenant he was making with us never again to allow the waters to flood and destroy the earth. God's grace and love came to us that day in the form of light and has been handed down to all generations. Have you seen the light? Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Sarah
"A God of Promise" - that's what I kept hearing from a wrinkled old man. I still remember when Abram told me that a son would come out of his own body. How I agonized over that promise. You see, I was barren. Giving Hagar to him to produce that child only messed up the situation. Then God appeared again to that husband of mine, changing our names and telling him once more that I'd be a mother. The years passed. We both aged. "We serve a God of Promise," Abraham would remind me. Looking at our bodies I began to lose sight of that hope. Then came that day when some unusual visitors stopped by and had a meal with us. The promise was repeated, but this time with a date. Next year a son would be born to us.
How I laughed as I thought of two old, worn--out bodies producing enough energy just to topple into bed at night, let alone coming together to produce new life. But God heard my laughter and admonished me. I laughed because I was looking at my circumstances. My years of childbearing had come to an end. It was impossible to conceive at my age. However, God reminded us that all things are possible for the Lord.
I looked to the self to fulfill the promise. God looked not at the worn vessels of his creation but beyond to the promise. I looked with physical eyes. God looked with eternal eyes. God shone that creative light into our spirits, giving hope and imparting faith to my husband to believe that a mighty nation would issue from his loins. God shone his light into my very physical being, planting life in my womb and hope into my heart. That light shone forth in my face as I looked upon that child of promise, little Isaac.
God's grace and love came to me in spite of my unbelief and my continual looking to myself to accomplish what God said he would do. As I held that baby, I felt truly blessed. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Miriam
It isn't fair! I saved his life! If it wasn't for me taking the risk and putting him in that basket so he could float over to the daughter of Pharaoh, Moses wouldn't have been given the position in Pharaoh's house that he enjoyed. Hebrew boy babies were being killed. Nobody asked, but I went the extra mile to make sure he was safe and to secure his own mother as a wet nurse for him. But when he grew up, did he remember me? He didn't know his own people. After hearing how he had killed a man and fled to the desert, I lost hope. I had helped put him into a position of power that might have helped us out of our bondage. But Moses' anger got in his way, and he turned tail and ran.
When I heard he had returned, hope was born anew in my spirit. Yet things only got worse with all the trouble he stirred up at court. However, I sat back in awe of the power of God displayed through my brother.
What signs and wonders we observed! I lifted my tambourine and danced with joy as my fellow sisters in faith celebrated the victory our God had done delivering us from Egypt. "I will sing unto the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider thrown into the sea!"
What hope we had as a nation went forth under Moses' leadership. Faith was high and spirits were good. But when the going got rough, did he ask my advice? Did he remember then all I had done for him? Now, I ask you, wouldn't you wonder who put him in charge? By what authority did he have the right to boss us around? This manna stuff was boring. My feet were tired. Then my brother went and married "that woman." Well, what would Mother have said? A Cushite woman. Tsk. Tsk. But it was more than that. Even Aaron, who had been given a priestly position, thought Moses was lording it over us. I should have held my tongue. Have you ever been called out by God? Well, it wasn't a pleasant experience as the three of us came out of the Tent of Meeting. God's anger blazed, and there I stood. All that position I had trusted in was gone. As Moses' sister, I had enjoyed a certain influence among others. Now all that was eliminated with the knowledge that lepers had to be banished to the outside of camp.
The light had gone out for me. Hope was abandoned. But God's light came to me as I heard my brothers intercede for me. Aaron implored Moses' forgiveness, and Moses asked God to heal me. God's grace and love came to me in that I did not remain a leper. I was confined outside camp for seven days, during which time I thought a lot about those things I trusted in and this God we were following.
I had looked to position to fulfill my desires. I thought being elevated in the eyes of others would bring happiness and security. God shone his light upon me, allowing me to be alone and secluded with him for a time. In my grief, I realized my priorities were in the wrong place. If God's grace had not been bestowed, I would have been out of fellowship with others for the rest of my life. But my community waited for me and welcomed me back.
Moses forgave and embraced me again. Aaron embraced me. My family was one again. The leprosy disappeared as fast as it had come. The law was fulfilled with my expulsion, but grace was bestowed in forgiveness. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
Hannah
Oh, what despair I felt. Year after year I would enter the house of the Lord with my sacrifice. Year after year I offered to God a double portion my husband had given me. Year after year my rival provoked me until I wept and could not eat. She had given my husband sons and daughters. All I could give Elkanah was my love. He loved me more than her, and she knew that. So that only made her comments more biting. Elkanah did not understand. He had not been deprived of a child. He frolicked with their children and instructed them in the law, but they were her children, not mine. Oh, how I sought the Lord to give me a son. I felt that my prayers of intercession fell upon deaf ears as year after year I returned childless to God's house. In bitterness of soul I made a vow asking God to look upon my misery and remember me. If God would give me a child, I promised to consecrate him to the Lord's service in the temple. That crazy priest, Eli, thought I was drunk. Hadn't he ever seen a woman so desperate in prayer before? My anguish was so great, my grief so real. I needed a child of my own. God's light came to me in the birth of my son, Samuel, bringing me joy, but then pain. Oh, the agony I felt as I remembered my vow to the Lord. That year I remained behind and did not go up to sacrifice with the rest. I needed more time with my child of answered prayer. "When he is weaned," I told my husband, "then I will bring him to the house of the Lord." It was so difficult to bring that small lad to Eli, but I had made a vow. I had to let go and have faith that Samuel would be taken care of and loved. As I placed him in the care of Eli, I knew that he was destined for greater things than I could give him, for he would dwell in the presence of God and serve the Lord faithfully. Each year I looked forward to seeing my son. I worked hard on the little robes I made to bring him at the time of sacrifice.
God's light again came to me, and my arms were filled with life. Three sons and two daughters brought joy to my spirit, but only God's grace brought peace to my heart. I had looked to a child to fulfill the longing in my heart. I had looked to a child to give me happiness. I had not focused on the one to whom I sacrificed year after year. Now I became more aware of the grace and love of God as I watched my son serve our Lord. Knowledge that my firstborn resided with the Lord and heard God's voice enabled me to lift my praises to a God who hears and answers prayer. As Samuel grew and became the great prophet/priest of Israel, I grew in faith and the power of prayer. God's plan is so much more than we expect. My child grew to lead his people into deeper commitment to their God. Samuel would anoint God's kings. I now can see beyond my own desires to God's desire for his children. Union with my husband brought forth a child, but union with God brought forth peace in my life. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Abigail
What a union I found myself in. Of course, in those days mar--riages were arranged. My parents should have checked further than this man's pocketbook before they consented to our marriage. Nabal owned lots of property and livestock. He was considered a fine catch. But I was not a bad catch myself. I was beautiful as well as intelligent. Nabal was surly and mean in his dealings. Life with him was not all that pleasant - in fact, it was a very cold marriage.
The nation was in such turmoil during those days. It was rumored that the priest Samuel had anointed David as king over Israel, but now Samuel was dead, and King Saul was trying to kill David. I never got involved in politics. It was not a woman's place. We were taught to respect our husband, to raise our children, to care for their needs, and to shepherd our flocks. That was enough for me, considering Nabal's temperament.
I tried to be hospitable to my husband's friends because hospitality was not Nabal's middle name nor was gratitude in his spirit. When I heard that he had refused hospitality to David and his men who had protected his shepherds and their flocks, I was aghast! What a cold reception our new king received from my husband. I lost no time in sending bread, sheep, cakes, grain, and wine in apology. I humbled myself and rode out to meet this great warrior. I interceded for my household in spite of its wicked master. I entreated David to spare my family, receive my offering, and forgive my offense.
God's light came to me through this experience. For in humbling myself and using the good judgment God had blessed me with, David remembered me when Nabal's wrongdoings came upon his head. I would have had a hard time of it as Nabal's widow, but God's grace and love was extended through the hands of one who had the power of death or life.
I had looked to my husband to give me happiness and security. I found that this was not to be. When I humbled myself and interceded for others, I received new life. God set me free, and I went forth into a new marriage ready to serve God as David's wife. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
Esther
The law - that's what got my people Israel into trouble. All they had to do was love the Lord and follow God's commands. They refused to do that and captivity in Persia resulted. Laws do have their proper place in life. Take Queen Vashti's conduct. It resulted in the King's proclaiming an edict that all women would respect their husbands from the least to the greatest. A noble law, and one that removed her from her position and caused me to become queen. I respected the authority of my husband King Xerxes, but I also watched as wicked men like Haman used the law to gain their own advantage. Poor Uncle Mordecai. He surely rubbed Haman the wrong way. However, the law is there for a reason. Haman would have destroyed my people to get revenge on one person. Mordecai wanted me to approach the king and intercede for my people. He reminded me that it was not by accident but divine appointment that I was raised to this position of queen. I had my people fast for me. Then I risked my life and exercised my faith in God by going against the law. For if one approached the king without being summoned, she could lose her life. God's light shone upon me as the king extended his golden scepter. Grace was imparted through the king's love for me as I shared my plans with the king to hold a banquet. I used the system to my advantage and through love and hospitality made Haman the object of the king's wrath. For when Xerxes found out what the man was really like, he hung Haman on the gallows he had prepared to hang Uncle Mordecai on. But a king's law stands firm, and my people would still perish unless there was divine intercession. That came when the king granted the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves. The tables were turned on those who sought to use the law to gain their own advantage.
I had looked to a legal system as a means of security, but God made me go against it. The security of my nation was at stake. I had to place my people's salvation and God's will over my own desire to live. God's light came to me in that same system which could have destroyed me, and grace and love were imparted through the mercy of the king. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Gomer
"Desire" - that was my ambition in life! Lust burned within me. "Hot--blooded" you might call me, but I knew what I liked. Now, you fine ladies might look down upon one such as me, but men looked at me with different eyes. Even that man of God, Hosea. God told him to marry me. He "desired" me and that was his downfall. God permitted him to carry out that desire by taking me as his wife.
What a foolish man I married! He was warned by God that I would be unfaithful. Marriage did not curb my desires. Even children did not stop me from my unfaithful ways. Sure, I felt bad for the way I treated all of them, but I could not give up my sin. Just as the people of Israel couldn't give up sinning and return to God. I had a craving in my flesh that burned within me. I just had to satisfy it. It felt so good.
Yet God's light and love reached out to me in the darkness which surrounded and consumed me. Adultery was my sin, but my husband showed mercy to me, redeeming me from my bondage and welcoming me back to live with him alone. He paid a price for my unfaithfulness. Yet he extended grace and love through his words and actions. I was commanded to give up my wicked ways and live out my life with those who truly cared for me. God's light revealed my rebellion. The choice was up to me. I had lived in darkness for so long, but my spirit longed to embrace the light.
The grace God offered me and offers you today is well worth considering. I had always sought happiness in the desire of the flesh. I had trusted in my looks to keep that desire burning in those I kept company with. Now I was being challenged to look to the love of husband and faith in God as my source of happiness. What would I choose?
I could have stayed outside the light of what I knew in my heart was right. But I was convicted of my sin, and chose to return to Hosea and his love. I chose to return to God and receive his forgiveness and love. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Mary
It has often been said that when something important is about to happen in the Lord's plan for the world, God will choose the young to be a part of it for they are full of energy, willing to risk, and are more open to his plans.
I was so young when the angel came to me and told me God's plan of salvation. We had always heard of the promised Messiah, the one God would send to be the Savior of the world. But those were the stories passed down through the generations. God loved his nation Israel, and he had promised to deliver them. As I listened to the angel tell me that I had found favor with God, I felt so special, so loved by my Lord. Yet I was troubled with the greeting and even more puzzled by the message. I did not doubt that God could and would accomplish his plans, but my part in the whole matter had to be clarified. I was a virgin and had no intentions of being with a man until I was wed to Joseph. When God revealed that the child would be conceived through the power of the Spirit, I took the first step by giving my consent and accepting God's plan by faith. "Lord, may it be done unto me as you have said."
I looked to God to do the impossible, and God did. God's light overshadowed me. God's love wrapped around my youthful frame and planted life within. God's grace was extended to me because of my willingness to obey him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I felt a part of that love as Christ was born in me. I would come to know that love more fully as I watched him suffer and die for my salvation and the salvation of the world.
I come now with my sisters of the light who stand as witnesses to a faith in God. I join Noah's wife who looked to her labors and the world for happiness, Sarah who looked to herself to bring about God's plan, Miriam who looked to position for fulfillment, Hannah who looked to a child to bring her joy, Abigail who looked to others for security, Esther who looked to the law to save her, and Gomer who looked to the flesh.
God's grace came to me and comes to us in his light. Imperfect as we are, God realizes that those imperfections exist because of sin. God restored us to wholeness through the sacrifice of Jesus, his Son, and calls us to go into an imperfect world to be the light of his grace and to let that love shine for others. Hope comes as we then offer forgiveness and love to those who are imperfect too. Faith comes in believing God and trusting in his promises. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Adapted Version
God's Light Shines
Letter From Noah's Wife
God's Light Shines
In this program (or week of journey), we will be hearing from six women who "saw the light!" Journey with us as we read their personal encounters with the light in the form of personal letters to you.
Dear Friends of the Light:
It seems like only yesterday that God was busy creating the earth and all the heavens. God's Spirit dramatically blew as creation sang a new song. Things were great until sin entered the world. Just look at the mess we're in now!
It was the same in my time as I cared for Noah and our three sons. The boys and I watched as Noah prospered. We were proud of his accomplishments. Noah was a good man. He did all the right things. He brought comfort to his parents in their old age, working hard to make life nice for us all. However, the world we lived in was very wicked. In fact, all its energies seemed to be poured into evil - but not Noah's. However, I became alarmed when all of a sudden he became focused on a massive building project. He told us that God had told him to build an ark. An ark? We weren't in the shipping business, so wouldn't you be concerned? Then he began forecasting a flood. As I looked around, I didn't see a storm cloud anywhere.
Noah told us that God was going to put an end to all life as we knew it, but he would spare us. That was good news! But there were more instructions. We were to collect two of every species to be housed on that ark. Now that was going to be a challenge! But God took care of that. He brought them to us. Thank goodness! Safaris were never my passion. It sure was cramped in that boat with all those beasts, insects, and other wildlife. The rains came just as God promised, and what a commotion occurred outside as life perished. There was darkness for a long time, but then the light did come again. Finally God told us to come out. What a relief! Dry ground and sunshine.
I had a lot of time on board to reevaluate my faith concerning God. I had looked to my husband and the labors of our hands to secure a future. I had looked to the world to provide for us. All this changed in forty days and forty nights. We had been forced to rely totally on God, and his light brought new hope for us. As a sign of hope, God sent light through a beautiful rainbow. God told us that this would be a sign of the covenant he was making with us never again to allow the waters to flood and destroy the earth. God's grace and love came to us that day in the form of light and has been handed down to all generations. Have you seen the light? Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Peace,
Noah's Wife (Genesis 6--9)
Letter From Sarah
A God Of Promise
Hear a note of hope from an Old Testament woman who shares how God's light came to her.
Dear Friends of the Light:
"A God of Promise" - that's what I kept hearing from a wrinkled old man. I still remember when Abram told me that a son would come out of his own body. How I agonized over that promise. You see, I was barren. Giving Hagar to him to produce that child only messed up the situation. Then God appeared again to that husband of mine, changing our names and telling him once more that I'd be a mother. The years passed. We both aged. "We serve a God of Promise," Abraham would remind me. Looking at our bodies I began to lose sight of that hope. Then came that day when some unusual visitors stopped by and had a meal with us. The promise was repeated, but this time with a date. Next year a son would be born to us.
How I laughed as I thought of two old, worn--out bodies producing enough energy just to topple into bed at night, let alone coming together to produce new life. But God heard my laughter and admonished me. I laughed because I was looking at my circumstances. My years of childbearing had come to an end. It was impossible to conceive at my age. However, God reminded us that all things are possible for the Lord.
I looked to the self to fulfill the promise. God looked not at the worn vessels of his creation but beyond to the promise. I looked with physical eyes. God looked with eternal eyes. God shone that creative light into our spirits, imparting hope and faith to my husband to believe that a mighty nation would issue from his loins. God shone his light into my very physical being, planting life in my womb and hope into my heart. That light shone forth in my face as I looked upon that child of promise, little Isaac.
God's grace and love came to me in spite of my unbelief and my continual looking to myself to accomplish what God said he would do. As I held that baby, I felt truly blessed. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
Embraced by the Light,
Sarah (Genesis 16--18, 21)
Letter From Miriam
A Family Affair
We often take "light" to our families. Read a letter from a sister concerning her feelings about her brothers and the way God was working with all of them.
Dear Friends of the Light:
It isn't fair! I saved his life! If it wasn't for me taking the risk and putting him in that basket so he could float over to the daughter of Pharaoh, Moses wouldn't have been given the position in Pharaoh's house that he enjoyed. Hebrew boy babies were being killed. Nobody asked, but I went the extra mile to make sure he was safe and to secure his own mother as a wet nurse for him. But when he grew up, did he remember me? He didn't know his own people. After hearing how he had killed a man and fled to the desert, I lost hope. I had helped put him into a position of power that might have helped us out of our bondage. But Moses' anger got in his way, and he turned tail and ran.
When I heard he had returned, hope was born anew in my spirit. Yet things only got worse with all the trouble he stirred up at court. However, I sat back in awe of the power of God displayed through my brother. What signs and wonders we observed! I lifted my tambourine and danced with joy as my fellow sisters in faith celebrated the victory our God had done delivering us from Egypt: "I will sing unto the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and rider thrown into the sea!"
What hope we had as our people went forth under Moses' leadership. Faith was high and spirits were good. But when the going got rough, did he ask my advice? Did he remember then all I had done for him? Now, I ask you, wouldn't you wonder who put him in charge? By what authority did he have the right to boss us around? This manna stuff was boring. My feet were tired. Then my brother went and married "that woman." Well, what would Mother have said? A Cushite woman. Tsk. Tsk. But it was more than that. Even Aaron, who had been given a priestly position, thought Moses was lording it over us. I should have held my tongue. Have you ever been called out by God? Well, it wasn't a pleasant experience as the three of us came out of the Tent of Meeting. God's anger blazed, and there I stood. All that position I had trusted in was gone. As Moses' sister, I had enjoyed a certain influence among others. Now all that was eliminated with the knowledge that lepers had to be banished to the outside of camp.
The light had gone out for me. Hope was abandoned. But God's light came to me as I heard my brothers intercede for me. Aaron implored Moses' forgiveness, and Moses asked God to heal me. God's grace and love came to me in that I did not remain a leper. I was confined outside camp for seven days, during which time I thought a lot about those things I trusted in and this God we were following.
I had looked to position to fulfill my desires. I thought being elevated in the eyes of others would bring happiness and security. God shone his light upon me, allowing me to be alone and secluded with him for a time. In my grief, I realized my priorities were in the wrong place. If God's grace had not been bestowed, I would have been out of fellowship with others for the rest of my life. But my community waited for me and welcomed me back.
Moses forgave and embraced me again. Aaron embraced me. My family was one again. The leprosy disappeared as fast as it had come. The law was fulfilled with my expulsion, but grace was bestowed in forgiveness. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
Your Sister from Old,
Miriam (Exodus 2, 20--21, Numbers 12)
Letter From Abigail
A Chilly Embrace
So far we have looked at Noah's wife, Sarah, and Miriam who have been embraced by the light. Hear today from one Old Testament woman who found that a chilly embrace was costly.
Dear Friends of the Light:
What a union I found myself in. Of course, in those days marriages were arranged. My parents should have checked further than this man's pocketbook before they consented to our marriage. Nabal owned lots of property and livestock. He was considered a fine catch. But I was not a bad catch myself. I was beautiful as well as intelligent. Nabal was surly and mean in his dealings. Life with him was not all that pleasant - in fact, it was a very cold marriage.
The nation was in such turmoil during those days. It was rumored that the priest Samuel had anointed David as king over Israel. Now Samuel was dead, and King Saul was trying to kill David. I never got involved in politics. It was not a woman's place. We were taught to respect our husband, raise our children, care for their needs, and shepherd our flocks. That was enough for me, considering Nabal's temperament.
I tried to be hospitable to my husband's friends because hospitality was not Nabal's middle name nor was gratitude in his spirit. When I heard that he had refused hospitality to David and his men who had protected his shepherds and their flocks, I was aghast! What a cold reception our new king received from my husband. I lost no time in sending bread, sheep, cakes, grain, and wine in apology. I humbled myself and rode out to meet this great warrior. I interceded for my household in spite of its wicked master. I entreated David to spare my family, receive my offering, and forgive my offense.
God's light came to me through this experience. For in humbling myself and using the good judgment God had blessed me with, David remembered me when Nabal's wrongdoings came upon his head. I would have had a hard time of it as Nabal's widow, but God's grace and love was extended through the hands of one who had the power of death or life.
I had looked to my husband to give me happiness and security. I found that this was not to be. When I humbled myself and interceded for others, I received new life. God set me free, and I went forth into a new marriage ready to serve God as David's wife. Truly I saw God's light. Praise God who made me a woman of the light.
May the Warmth of God's Light Embrace You,
Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
Letter From Gomer
Outside The Light
Today we hear from one woman who lived outside the light of God. Her sinful ways made her embrace the darkness to cover her betrayal. Hear how she found the light.
Dear Friends of the Light:
"Desire" - that was my ambition in life! Lust burned within me. "Hot--blooded" you might call me, but I knew what I liked. Now, you fine people might look down upon one such as me, but a lot of the men in my community looked at me with different eyes. Even that man of God, Hosea. God told him to marry me. He "desired" me and that was his downfall. God permitted him to carry out that desire by taking me as his wife.
What a foolish man I married! He was warned by God that I would be unfaithful. Marriage did not curb my desires. Even children did not stop me from my unfaithful ways. Sure, I felt bad for the way I treated all of them, but I could not give up my sin - just as the people of Israel couldn't give up sinning and return to God. I had a craving in my flesh that burned within me. I just had to satisfy it. It felt so good.
Yet God's light and love reached out to me in the darkness which surrounded and consumed me. Adultery was my sin, but my husband showed mercy to me, redeeming me from my bondage and welcoming me back to live with him alone. He paid a price for my unfaithfulness. Yet he extended grace and love through his words and actions. I was commanded to give up my wicked ways and live out my life with those who truly cared for me. God's light revealed my rebellion. The choice was up to me. I had lived in darkness for so long, but my spirit longed to embrace the light.
The grace God offered me and offers you today is well worth considering. I had always sought happiness in the desires of the flesh. I had trusted in my looks to keep that desire burning in those I kept company with. Now I was being challenged to look to the love of husband and faith in God as my source of happiness. What would I choose?
I could have stayed outside the light of what I knew in my heart was right. But I was convicted of my sinful ways, and I chose to return to Hosea and his love. I chose to return to God and receive his forgiveness and love. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
A Forgiven Sinner,
Gomer (Hosea 1--3)
Letter From Mary
Shine! Shine! Shine!
A lot of you have probably seen the movie Shine. It's a story of a young man who had a beautiful gift of playing the piano. However, the treatment he received from his father caused him to break. It took him a long time to shine again, but shine he did. God had a plan for David's life, and now he is on the way to wellness as he tours our nation. But I would like to share another shining moment with you. So far this week we have looked at five Old Testament witnesses who came to God's light. Let's hear today from a very special New Testament woman.
Dear Friends of the Light:
It has often been said that when something important is about to happen in the Lord's plan for the world, God will choose the young to be a part of it for they are full of energy, willing to risk, and are open to his plans.
I was so young when the angel came to me and told me God's plan of salvation. We had always heard of the promised Messiah, the one God would send to be the Savior of the world. But those were stories passed down through generations. God loved his nation Israel, and he had promised to deliver them. As I listened to the angel tell me that I had found favor with God, I felt so special, so loved by my Lord. Yet I was troubled with the greeting and even more puzzled by the message. I did not doubt that God could and would accomplish his plans, but my part in the whole matter had to be clarified. I was a virgin and had no intentions of being with a man until I was wed to Joseph. When God revealed that the child would be conceived through the power of the Spirit, I took the first step by giving my consent and accepting God's plan by faith. "Lord, may it be done unto me as you have said."
I looked to God to do the impossible, and God did. God's light overshadowed me. God's love wrapped around my youthful frame and planted life within. God's grace was extended to me because of my willingness to obey him. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I felt a part of that love as Jesus was born in me. I would come to know that love more fully as I watched him suffer and die for my salvation and the salvation of the world.
I come now with my sisters of the light who stand as witnesses to a faith in God. I join Noah's wife who looked to her labors and the world for happiness, Sarah who looked to herself to bring about God's plan, Miriam who looked to position for fulfillment, Abigail who looked to others for security, and Gomer who looked to the flesh.
God's grace came to me and comes to us in his light. Imperfect as we are, God realizes that those imperfections exist because of sin. God restored us to wholeness through the sacrifice of Jesus, his Son, and calls us to go into an imperfect world to be the light of his grace and to let that love shine for others. Hope comes as we then offer forgiveness and love to those who are imperfect too. Faith comes in believing God and trusting in his promises. Truly I saw God's light. Praise to God who made me a woman of the light.
May the Light of our Risen Savior shine in your hearts and lives.
Your Sister in Faith,
Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Luke 2)
