women in authority

While I was walking toward the exit after church last Sunday, two women were walking in front of me; they were discussing their ministries with each other. While entering the parking lot, I heard "chapter 2 verse 12". My thumb was already in a small NIV Bible, so I read where the Holy Spirit spoke through Paul: "I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man; she must be silent."(1 Timothy 2:12) Take note that I do not have an anti-woman attitude in the church. But the verse stood out with authority in my mind - it jumped out. I understand that the verse is based on the established order of God, but I also see where women are fruitful in ministries that have been provided for them.

In the first verse where Deborah is mentioned, the Bible states: "Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time." It is made clear that Deborah is a woman. And שפט (shaphat) means to judge and govern. Verse 5 establishes the fact that Deborah was a Judge over all of Israel, and in Verses 6 and 7 she is receiving the word of God - the office of prophetess. The Almighty God stated that He will give the enemy into the hands of Barak, but Barak insisted that Deborah should come along for the battle; this indicates that the Judge was highly regarded by the commander of the army. Deborah responded: "I will go with you. But because of the way you are going about this, the honor will not be yours, for the LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman." Perhaps because the office of Deborah was higher than Barak's, the honor then went to her. Also, the way in which Deborah responded to Barak indicated that she honored the established order of God.(Judges 4:1-16)

Based on the Bible, I believe, with many decisions that a woman makes, she is also presented with the responsibility of how she will honor the established order of God. In her relationships, in her position of authority, in her family, in everything.