Equal in Family
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them and gave them both dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:27-28). In the order of creation, he created Adam and Eve last and they were the crown of all creation (2:18-24). The first command was given to Adam when Eve was not yet created (2:16-17). We do not know when and where the communication process failed. But both fell prey to Satan’s scheme. Both sinned. Both received punishment. Eve was told that her desire shall be for her husband and that Adam will rule over her (3:16). In that same line of punishments God gives a promise about the offspring of a woman who will crush the head of Satan (V.15).
Also Galatians 3:13 says that Christ has redeemed families from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them. Therefore no one can dominate in a family relationship. Christ is the head of a family. Both love and obedience expected in a family relationship are virtues of Christ himself (John 3:16, Philippians 2:8). A husband and wife are called to reflect these Godly traits in a family relationship (Ephesians 5:21-33). A man and woman are therefore equal in a family relationship. Many problems in families today would solve if only we respect women in par with men in families.
Equal in Inheritance
Job after restoration had three daughters named Jemima, Keziah and Keren-happuch and the Bible adds that he gave them inheritance along with their brothers (Job 42: 14-15). Zelophehad lived in the time of Moses and died in the wilderness. He had five daughters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah and no sons. The daughters went to Moses and asked for possession among their father’s brothers. Moses enquired the Lord for their case. He not only acknowledged their desire to give their father’s inheritance, but also made it as a statute and ordinance for the Israelites (Numbers 27:1-8).
Dowry harassment is one big evil leading to loss of peace and happiness, sometimes also to loss of lives too in our nation. Following the ordinance of the Lord in giving equal inheritance to sons and daughters alike might help finding a solution even for this prevalent evil in the society.
Equal in Ministry
Prophet Joel tells to a group of people who repent from their evil ways this promise: "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29). In Old Testament we read about prophetesses Miriam, Deborah and Huldah. In New Testament we have the mention of five daughters of Philip who were prophetesses. In the controversial Corinthian church too, there were women prophets (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). In the same line, in the bountiful harvest scenario in India, we need both women and men to serve equally.
In the salvation plan of God, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Matthew 22:30 says that in heaven both men and women would live like angels. So Scripture emphasizes equality of both men and women consistently from beginning to end. So the let us learn to respect women in our families, society and church. Let us bring up the generation in our influence to respect either sexes with respect and dignity. This would enable us to see us better Indians and as a community God wants us to be.
Job after restoration had three daughters named Jemima, Keziah and Keren-happuch and the Bible adds that he gave them inheritance along with their brothers (Job 42: 14-15). Zelophehad lived in the time of Moses and died in the wilderness. He had five daughters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah and no sons. The daughters went to Moses and asked for possession among their father’s brothers. Moses enquired the Lord for their case. He not only acknowledged their desire to give their father’s inheritance, but also made it as a statute and ordinance for the Israelites (Numbers 27:1-8).
Dowry harassment is one big evil leading to loss of peace and happiness, sometimes also to loss of lives too in our nation. Following the ordinance of the Lord in giving equal inheritance to sons and daughters alike might help finding a solution even for this prevalent evil in the society.
Equal in Ministry
Prophet Joel tells to a group of people who repent from their evil ways this promise: "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29). In Old Testament we read about prophetesses Miriam, Deborah and Huldah. In New Testament we have the mention of five daughters of Philip who were prophetesses. In the controversial Corinthian church too, there were women prophets (1 Corinthians 14:34-35). In the same line, in the bountiful harvest scenario in India, we need both women and men to serve equally.
In the salvation plan of God, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Matthew 22:30 says that in heaven both men and women would live like angels. So Scripture emphasizes equality of both men and women consistently from beginning to end. So the let us learn to respect women in our families, society and church. Let us bring up the generation in our influence to respect either sexes with respect and dignity. This would enable us to see us better Indians and as a community God wants us to be.
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