The law, grace and truth (5)

Father, we thank you for this is the day that You have made. We will rejoice and be glad in it in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Today's post is a continuation from my previous post (4) where I shared on the Samaritan woman and the woman who was caught in the act of adultery found in the gospel of John.

The New Testament of Christ when compared with the law found in the Old Testament, we see how the identity of woman has been redeemed by the mercy of God found in His Son, Christ. The stories of these two women, one who was caught in adultery that legally meant an automatic death sentence at the time and another one who felt rejected by society because of her personal choices depict God's truth that He is love. God's love found in the new covenant overruled the sentence of the law.

Jesus told the Gentile woman "God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth." (John 4:24). In the Old Testament, women were not included in the service of the Levitical priesthood. However, if you have been following this series, we have seen how Jesus came to fulfill the law and not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). In this case, the LORD is reminding us, that all of God's children are included in God's priesthood, whether Jew, Gentile, male or female for everyone who seeks to worship God in Spirit and truth. We see this re affirmation found 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV which reminds us, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;"

Another example of women in the New Testament worshipping God in Spirit and truth is seen in Luke 8:3 where Jesus' ministry was funded by women. We also see that Jesus was birthed by a woman, Mary, who believed the Word of the LORD that was delivered by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:37-38). During this time, getting pregnant before marriage could jeopardize her reputation as a woman who was engaged to be married to Joseph, not to mention loss of life but Mary chose to believe God. Just like her cousin, Elizabeth who was barren for many years (Luke 1:7) believed against all odds that she would give birth to John the Baptist in her old age. While her husband, a priest was made mute by God because he did not believe God's Word (Luke 1:19-20) .

On the face of it, these may not look like spectacular works, but the faith, obedience and humility of these women to steward God's Word regardless of their natural circumstances was a form of worshipping God in Spirit and in truth. And, this was highly esteemed and valuable in God's eyes.

We also see another woman who in her worship anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wiped His feet with her hair and unknown to her at the time, she was preparing Jesus' body for His burial (John 12:3 &7). We also see women playing another vital role after Jesus' resurrection. After His burial in a tomb, some of His female followers wanted to anoint Jesus' body. God used their natural instinct that flowed from a place of love for the Messiah and re directed them to purpose where they were among the first people who spread the good news of Jesus' resurrection to other believers (Matthew 27:7-10).

I'll end with this Word found in Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

"8.For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

8.not of works, lest anyone should boast.

9.For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

AMEN, thank you Father for Your love and the gift of redemption we have received in Christ.

Invitation to salvation: Today, God's free gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ is extended to you. When you receive this free gift of salvation, you officially become a child of God. Salvation is not something you have to earn because God has freely given it to you through Jesus. So if you feel a stirring in your heart to know more and draw closer to God's heart, please say these words:

"I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that; Jesus Christ, the Son of God came in a human body to die for my sins so that I could have a new life where I am dead to sin and alive to God. I repent of my past sins and enter the Kingdom of light where I choose relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and with God as my loving Father today and forever. Thank you Father that because the Son has made me free, I am now free indeed." AMEN.

YOU ARE NOW A NEW CREATION & CHILD OF GOD - PRAISE GOD! Please find a church, become a member and get water baptized!