When Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah stood before Moses, Eleazar the Priest, the chiefs, and the entire congregation, they demonstrated brave character. They were wise as they spoke in the precise moment the decision was issued. They knew the law, interpreting they would not receive the land inheritance. They were pious choosing to obey the law not marrying men who were not of their tribe.
We can learn three lessons from these 5 brave women
- They had faith as they trusted in God’s provision for them. They did not pull the victim card by marrying men from other tribes, so they would have their needs met.
- They did not live for the present. They had faith in the promise of the land to come.
- They had faith they could be used by God to bring about change, not only for them, but all women in the generations to come.
- Should Christians be known for speaking their mind and standing up for what’s right?
- When should you submit and when should you speak up?
Biblical examples of Christian submission:
Ephesians 5:22, Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:17, Luke 22:42
Biblical examples of people who disobeyed those in leadership and faithfully followed God’s commands:
Josh 2:1-6, Heb. 11:31, James 2:25 Samuel 25:3-42, Acts 5:29
When is Silence Best and Blessed?
- When our mouths are shut and our ears are open. James 1:19
- Silence is a must when we are angry. I Peter 3:10
- Silence can help us avoid sin. Proverbs 10:19
- Silence can help us gain respect. Proverbs 11:12
- Silence is deemed wise and intelligent. Proverbs 17:28
- Silence demonstrates self-control and a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:2
When is Silence Unhelpful or Harmful?
- Fear, lack of self-confidence and anxiety cause us to be silent. 41:10
- Walking in the Spirit gives us the confidence to speak up. Ps. 82:3, 37:30, Is. 1:17
- Fear keeps us from sharing the Gospel. I Thes. 2:4, Acts 18:9
How does Apt and Gracious Speech Sound?
- It is gracious when we share the Gospel. Matthew 28:19
- How to Speak-I Peter 3:15, Col. 4:6, Titus 3:2
- Spoke in truth and love, Eph. 4:15, Rom 9:1, Col 3:16
When is Speaking Worldly or Evil?
- When it is done in the flesh to dominate an argument. Ps 141:3
- When it is done in judgement. James 4:11
- When it is hurtful. Prov. 12:18, Ps 52:2, James 3:5, Proverbs 15:4, 11:9,
- But instead of hurtful- Eph 4:29
- When our words are without the Spirit’s leading- Acts 20:30
How do you Speak in the Spirit?
- We will one day give an account for our words- Matthew 12:26-37
- There is power in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8
- Pray Scripture- Col 3:17
- Words of Tolerance, Not Judgment (high expectations) Rom 2:4
- Words of Thankfulness, Not Complaint- Col 3:16
- Words of Kindness, Not Bitterness- Eph. 4:29-32
- Aroma of Christ- 2 Cor. 2:15
Speaking up to authority is an active and thoughtful decision which must be weighed carefully. Ecclesiastes 3:7
- Seek the Lord in prayer
- Choose an appropriate time and place
- Present your requests with respectful boldness
- Submit to God’s providence
Praying for you,
Laura Rawden, Mentor Mom
Hodge, Meredith. (2016, April 1). Knowing when to Speak and When to be Silent. Retrieved from https://unlockingthebible.org/2016/04/knowing-when-to-speak-and-when-to-be-silent/
Richie, Nevine. (2016, February 6). Are your words Seasoned with Salt?. Retrieved from https://unlockingthebible.org/2016/02/are-your-words-seasoned-with-salt/
Praying for you,
Laura Rawden, Mentor Mom
