Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Good Order in Worship

Scripture: "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says" (14:34).

Observation: This is one of those passages that I don't understand, don't like, and where I am tempted to try to find some explanation that aligns with my way of thinking. I want to say that Paul is simply reflecting the tradition of the times, but verses 34 ("the law says") and 37 ("acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command") don't support that. I'm not sure which of the Lord's commands or what part of the law is referenced here. It's also puzzling that verse 14:26 talks about "brothers and sisters" having a "hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation". Sisters are obviously women, so in verse 34 is it only married women who are not allowed to speak? This would seem to align with the aspect of "be in submission". But I'm not sure why. Is our culture so far from the concept of submission that I can't understand it?

Application: The application for me is to trust the word of God, even if I don't understand it. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16).

Prayer: Rabbi Jesus, help me to understand what I don't understand in this passage. If there is rebuking, correcting, or training for me, show me what it is. And if the reason that I don't understand is that I'm far away from your truth in this area, then please teach me your truth.

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