Countless stories are told throughout Scripture how God uses women to accomplish His purposes. Back in the ancient day, women found themselves at the bottom of the social and cultural ladder, excluded from entering the temple to worship with men. And yet, the devoted daughters of Jerusalem were as near as anyone could worship the crucified Savior, at the foot of the cross.
And He saw them.
During Jesus’ ministry on earth, not only did He notice women, He called them out of the shadow of their sin. The scandalous and improper . . . seekers and steadfast, all made clean.
He looked into the eyes of those mourning and lamenting beneath Him. The abiding women He 
healed and delivered. . . and the favored one who delivered Him. When the immeasurable God-man came to visit planet earth, He fit within her womb.
Jesus valued women.
The multitudes spreading palm branches on the Hosanna path just the week before, deserted Him. The twelve fled. But, the women remained.
They were eyewitnesses of the darkest day in history, when Jesus bled out from whips of mockers, spit of scoffers, and spikes called nails that held His flesh but not His Spirit. Obedience and deep love held Him to the wood.
After His death it was the faithful-to-the-end ladies who first visited His burial and prepared Him with mercy and spices. They didn’t abandon Him and their devotion was rewarded. Now eyewitnesses to an empty tomb before anyone else and the privilege to go and tell the others.
I can’t imagine what it was like for those who remained in the gore of Golgotha, more than a 3D view of what the movie The Passion depicted . . . but then, the resurrection. More than a 3D view of glory, and we can go and tell others today . . . today.
The Messiah mystery, before Genesis through Revelation, and then . . .
and He did it all, from conception to cross to make us His bride . . . men and women.
He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was in Galilee saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words. . . . Luke 24
Verna
Wonderful reminder of what it means to be faithful, Verna. Thank you for sharing.
You’re in my prayers,
Becky
and thank you for your faithfulness in visiting (and praying) . . . you encourage my heart, Becky!
Thanks for sharing this so well. I love how in Scripture, Jesus touches the lives of women. And, He touches us today
Thank you, Jeanne – yes, He does still touch us personally and generously.
I love your stories, Verna.
Write on!
. . . and I love you for reading them . . . miss you, Carolyn!
I was blessed to guide my students through the book of Luke for this past semester. It was a real treat to introduce them to how Jesus values outcasts of society–and to the idea that women were indeed considered outcasts in so many ways. Sadly, this is still the case in so many cultures today, and even in Western society, women still struggle with devaluing themselves–or valuing themselves for the wrong, but society-driven, reasons. Praise God that His Holy Word still speaks words of love, freedom, and redemption into all of our hearts!
Outcasts brought in . . . I would’ve loved to be part of the class to hear interaction and revelation. And I praise Him with you, Janeen for His word still speaking today.
Verna,
At a time when I feel so blocked in writing a devotion right now, it is so refreshing to read yours. I love the flow of your words on paper. Excellent post my friend.
You are an encourager, dear friend. Thank you, Glenda.
Beautiful reminder of our worth, in God’s eyes-the eyes that matter!
Thanks for sharing!
I agree . . . and declare . . . just this. Thank you, Laura!