Women of Courage – Anna – April 19, 2014

Women of Courage – Anna – April 19, 2014

We continue Question 4 – How was Anna like or unlike the 5 women prophetesses?

We began by reading 2 Kings 22:1-20

The strong words declared through Huldah that young King Josiah tore his robe as he realized that the Israelites had turned away from God.  God sent the strong words of Israel’s fate and let the king know that he would be buried before this took place.  He would not see the destruction. This is a picture of what is happening in America and the world.  Idol worship, self-worship and degradation fills our world.  We should listen to the words of the Lord as if he is speaking directly to us all.  

 Why was Huldah recognized as the true prophet of God. Where were the other prophets?  We should be speaking up for our God.  What is holding us back?

What is the comparison with Anna?  Anna and Huldah definitely knew God’s word. Both knew the prophecies and had God in her heart.  Huldah knew that the judgment was coming and would affect all in the land, including her family.  God chose these women to proclaim the words of the Lord.  God did not randomly choose either woman, they were foreordained to proclaim these messages.  They had to have humility and only lifted their voice to glorify God.

We will be looking in the next few weeks:

Are there any coincidences for a Christian? What evidence have you seen in your own life that God is in control of all chance encounters?

Anna - April 5, 2014

Women of Courage – Anna – April 5, 2014

Question 4 – How was Anna like or unlike the 5 women prophetesses?

Miriam- We looked again at the scriptures in Exodus 14:1 to 15:21

Shera shared with us the notes from MacArthur on this question and added the scripture from Numbers 12:1-15. Miriam and Aaron both sinned against Moses and God in murmuring and being prideful.  God knew how to get the both of them to understand and be corrected into getting back into a correct relationship with him.  Miriam became leprous and Aaron reacted in repentance.

Miriam was a strong testimony to the women. She led all the women out to praise God. This was a great number of women. She would be an influence on many others.  Miriam through this role as a leader stepped into pride and then rebellion against what God had ordained.

Deborah - Judges 4:1-23 Why was Deborah a judge, why was there not another man during her time that would be a judge of Israel.  She was a spiritual and political leader.  It may have been a bleak time of unrighteousness. Did the Lord raise her up to demonstrate to Israel, the men should not fear.  They needed to step up as men. Even Barak asked her to go with him into the battle, or he would not go.  The song Deborah sang chastised the tribes that did not join them in the battle.   

Anna spoke to those around her that would listen, she did not rule a nation, but did as she was called to do.  They both had a huge love for their nation and their people. We need to be like that, available and willing to serve.  We need to do our roles with our eyes on the Lord and our heart to share their love of God with others.