57 Then they said, “Let’s call the girl and ask her about it.”
Some today would say that all religions are the same in that they oppress women’s rights. This small verse is a powerful testimony to the power of women. In that culture men often were granted special privileges. And yet, here we have a godly family who give their young female relative the choice. She is given the choice to spend extra time with the family or to go immediately to her new life. Her family wants her to stay so that they can say goodbye to her. They know they will never see her again. She is comfortable enough with herself that she is willing to make the break with family immediately. What strength of character! The family is strong enough to give her the choice. They had every right to insist that she stay longer. The official rules of society gave them that right. And yet they give extra power to her, their sister/daughter. There are many small indications of the elevation of women in believing households far above the surrounding culture. People of faith recognize the equal standing of men and women before God. We each have a role and a place in the activity of God. We all have differing ministries and gifting, all given by the Lord. And in Christ we all get to use those in ways that bring Him glory. We see in the New Testament the pronounced elevation of women by Jesus Himself. So next time someone says that the Scriptures oppress women, just consider the source of the question and head to the Scriptures for the Truth. The Truth will set you free. This girl does choose to travel hundreds of miles with a stranger to meet and marry a man she never met. She does it because she senses God’s presence and direction. How far are you willing to travel to obey the Lord?
The Arnold Journey 