This world is really tough. It's hard to make it throughout the day without hearing of a tragedy. If you stop and think though, the Bible talks about tragedy all the time: murder, fraud, slavery, adultery, and all that in just one story concerning the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Abraham. There are plagues, famines, floods, wars, and all kinds of other hardships in the Bible, I mean they had it rough…not to mention no indoor plumbing!
I have always wondered if I would make the right choices if I was put to the test and had to make hard decisions. Like Moses’ mother, knowing he would be killed if she kept him, sending her baby floating down the Nile. A baby? I don't know if I could trust that everything would be alright. She also trusted that Pharaoh’s Daughter would find him and take him as her own. That’s also pretty iffy.
The women that are noted in the Bible were put into such messes! What I am thankful for is that in this literary document, it INCLUDED women in it at all! Study them! If they are in the Bible it is for a good reason. Remember women weren't worth anything back then. So to be mentioned, is a HUGE moment.
I think about this story and how I may have reacted.
1 Kings 3:16–28 recounts that two mothers, who lived in the same house and each had an infant son, came to Solomon. One of the babies had been smothered and each claimed the remaining boy as her own. Calling for a sword, Solomon declared his judgment: the baby would be cut in two, each woman to receive half.
“Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.”’ (1 Kings 3:24-25)
In this moment of wisdom King Solomon knew that the real birth mother would not allow her child to die. Where the other mother claiming to be the mom would not care.
“The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.”’
Whoa! That was a huge risk she just took. She could have been killed for speaking against the king’s decree and the baby would have gone with the other woman.
When he said he would cut the baby in half, I probably would have been thrown in prison! ARE YOU CRAZY?! “Cut the baby in half” how does THAT solve anything?!
Not understanding his wisdom at this moment, as we sometimes don't. All she knew was she had to protect her baby even if it meant the other woman would raise him.
Look at the women in the Bible that are used. They are not boring. They are daring!
Stand up and become daring! Invite someone to church, ask if you can pray with them, go to House Church if you don't attend one. Our Lord is Mighty! Therefore we should be Mighty in the Lord.
Sheila Dorris is the adoptive mother of three (now) adult children and is now enjoying being an empty nester. Sheila shares co-ownership of Mojo Merchandise, in downtown Sand Springs, with her best friend. Sheila has served and continues to serve in many areas at Church that Matters. Including: House Church, KTM, Access, Guest Services, and on the production team as a Live Stream Host. Sheila is famous for her sermon notes, taken each week as a guide for others on Facebook. This often starts conversations between those who may have questions about church or may just need to hear the sermon. She loves being silly and making people smile. If you see her, stop her and say "Hello".