Her name is not known.

Her story: Matthew 9:20-22, 14:36; Mark 5:24-34, 6:56; Luke 6:19, 8:43-48 

Big crowds followed Jesus and all three Gospels record encounters where people touched Jesus and were healed. Her story was different. This woman suffered 12 years with a bleeding disorder. In the Old Testament there were strict protocols for women who were menstruating which included being isolated from all others until the bleeding stopped. She had been to many doctors and used all her money to find a cure, but she was simply getting worse. She heard about Jesus and went to see Him with one thought in mind, ““If I could touch Him or His clothing, I would be healed.” When she ventured into the crowd, she risked detection and persecution, but she went anyway. She came up behind Jesus and ever-so-gently touched His robe. Immediately she felt the healing occur and knew she was healthy. When she touched Him, Jesus stopped and asked, “Who touched me?” There was something different about her touch and He felt it, too. Jesus looked around for the one who had been intentional and she came forward and knelt at His feet. She told Him about her disease, her purpose for touching Him and what happened when she did. Jesus responded to her testimony with compassion. He called her “Daughter” (He used this term of endearment with no one else in Scripture.). He told her that the touching didn’t heal her. It was her faith in Him that healed her. He sent her on her way with His peace and reminded her she was free from the suffering she had experienced for so long.

Her legacy for us: She could have been like all the others in the crowd, simply asking for something and accepting the blessing He provided. But she was different. Hers was not a simply wordless transaction. She was intentional in her interaction with Him and Jesus was very intentional in His personal response to her.

Our response to Him: How often do I intentionally reach out and invite You to turn and tell me things You know I need to hear? Do I give you plenty of time to confirm Your work in me and send me back into the crowd with Your peace? Even when I’m fearful, do I testify of Your work in my life?

Her name means “rebellious” in Hebrew, but it probably also has Chaldeean meaning that indicated she was the woman in charge of the house. She managed the home where they lived and cared for others through her hospitality.

Her story: Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-32; John 12:1-3

Martha’s story is intertwined with those of her sister, Mary, and her brother, Lazarus. Martha was the one who first invited Jesus into their home. While He was there, she scurried about creating a hospitable environment for Him and everyone else who came with Him. She was annoyed that her sister, Mary, was not helping and Martha asked for Jesus to intervene. He politely told Martha that she was concerned with things of lesser importance. They were not eternal things. Later when Lazarus died, Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus. He intentionally delayed going to Bethany. But when he finally arrived, Martha went out and met Him and spoke to Him. In her grief, she expressed words that reflected a heart that knew Jesus’ healing power. When Jesus told her that those who believe in Him live and never die, she responded with a deep statement of faith that Jesus was Messiah, the Son of God. Her statement was very much like the famous declaration Peter made to Jesus on another occasion. Then, Martha and got Mary. They showed Jesus where Lazarus was buried. At the tomb, all three mourned for Lazarus and Jesus Himself wept with them. When Jesus asked that the stone on the grave be removed, Martha reminded Him that opening the tomb would unleash “a stink.” But Jesus’ instructions were followed and Jesus called Lazarus from the grave. Martha and all who were with them witnessed Jesus’ resurrection power. Before Jesus and His disciples had Passover in Jerusalem, Martha hosted and served a meal in His honor, creating another opportunity for others to fellowship with Him.

Her legacy for us: Martha’s hospitality and desire to create pleasant places made room for others to meet Jesus, learn, and see His power. Martha herself learned the proper way to balance eternal things and temporary earthly things.

Our response to Him: Will You teach me to create a space devoted to Your presence that travels with me wherever I go, a space where those around me feel Your presence and come to know You better – not because of me, but because You are there?

Her name means “obstinate or rebellious.” It’s very likely that her sister thought it was an appropriate name, but her actions opened her heart and the Master walked in.

Her story: Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-32; John 12:1-12

There are several Mary’s in the gospel. This Mary was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. They all loved Jesus. He visited their home in Bethany on several occasions. Luke records a visit where Mary and Martha had different ideas about the best thing to do while Jesus was in their home. Mary sat down at His feet while He was teaching. She had a heart to hear and wanted to learn from Him herself. She was commended for that decision. John records two other times Jesus visited the trio. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus died. Even though Jesus loved them dearly, He waited before turning to raise Lazarus from the dead. When He arrived, Lazarus had been buried for four days. Martha went out to meet Jesus and then went back to get Mary, who was surrounded by many people. When the sisters came together, all Mary’s friends followed. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and many people saw the miracle. Later, Jesus returned right before Passover. During this visit, Mary anointed Him with precious, expensive oil. Others questioned her wisdom, but Jesus commended her for the action and said that it was preparation for His own burial.

Her legacy for us: Mary did things that were seen as not helpful or unwise, but her heart was focused on Jesus and her actions reflected a humble heart full of faith who wanted, more than anything, to honor Jesus. Because she was intent on ministering to Jesus, she recognized His sacrifice before He went to Jerusalem and was crucified.

Our response to Him: Do my actions reflect a humble heart that wants to honor, worship and serve You regardless of what others might say about me? Am I willing to rebel against the standards and norms of this world to be wholly devoted to You?

Her name comes from the Hebrew word yokheved meaning “YHWH is glory”. She was the first person with a divine element to their name, yah, a shortened form of YHWH. Her life reflects His glory, goodness, courage, and creativity.

Her story: Exodus 2:1-10, 6:19-20; Numbers 26:59

She was the wife of Amram, and…..his aunt. It was not illegal. The Torah had not been presented yet, and some presume that it has divinely inspired. They were both from the tribe of Levi, so the priestly lineage could continue. All their children were leaders, so their union (and parenting skills) proved fruitful. Moses became one of Israel’s greatest leaders of all time; Aaron became Israel’s first high priest; and Miriam was a prophetess who turned the hearts of a nation to the Lord.

….”She saw that he was a special baby (goodly, favored – meant for greatness, fair) and kept him hidden for three months,” (Exodus 2:2). She demonstrated great faith keeping the child alive when there was a death decree by Pharaoh. When she could no longer hide him, she made a waterproof basket, put him in it, and laid it among the reeds by the river’s bank, knowing Pharaoh’s daughter would come there to bathe. When Pharaoh’s daughter found him, Miriam was there to offer to get a nurse for the child….clear, creative thinking on Jochebed’s part!

Her legacy for us: Jochebed had a short time to make a difference (birth up to seven years, some think) to nurse and train him in the Jewish traditions (morning and evening prayers, etc.), believing that childhood holds powerful potential for growing in wisdom and goodness. Her faith eventually saved a nation!

Our response to Him: Am I intentional with the time I am given to teach and train my children? They belong to You. Do I give them to You and courageously ask for Your creative plan, strength, and guidance to raise them for Your glory and their divine destiny?

This guest post was written by Shawn Martin, my creative, courageous, godly friend. I love hearing what God shows her and learning artsy things from her. She always invites me into conversations that encourage and challenge me to deepen my relationship with the Master Creator. Find Shawn’s artwork and journals at her Etsy shop at this link, CrownofBeautybySM.

Her name means “oath of God.” We might say “God’s promise.” Her willingness and obedience opened doors for the coming of God’s promise, Messiah.

Her story: Luke 1:5-57

Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were godly and upright individuals from the priestly line of Levi. They had no children. When Zechariah’s division went to Jerusalem to serve at the temple, he was chosen to enter the Most Holy Place at Passover. While he was there, the archangel Gabriel visited him and told him he would have a son and gave instructions about the child. Zechariah asked questions and Gabriel made him mute. When Zechriah returned home, Elizabeth became pregnant. During the sixth month of her pregnancy, Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would give birth to the Messiah. He also told her that Elizabeth was pregnant. Mary hurried to visit Elizabeth and when she greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s unborn child leaped inside her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth blessed Mary and called her the “mother of my Lord.” Elizabeth recognized the work God was doing in Mary’s life and encouraged her. “Mary’s Magnificat” was spoked to Elizabeth. When Elizabeth’s baby was born, there was an argument about what to name him and Elizabeth insisted on naming him John. When Zechariah was given a writing tablet, he wrote ‘His name is John” and immediately he was able to speak. He praised God and those present began to wonder what would become of John because of the miracles seen around his birth. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied about John’s life. 

Her legacy for us: Elizabeth’s willingness to follow God’s instructions allowed her to be filled with the Holy Spirit in a way similar to John and those in the Upper Room at Pentecost. She was an encouragement to Mary during a time when Mary’s world was being turned upside down.  And, Elizabeth’s insistence on following God’s instructions helped her husband regain his voice. 

Our response to Him: What keeps me from simply listening to Your words and doing them? What would help me become quick to obey even when I don’t know what the results will be?

We don’t know her name. She was simply called the Shunammite. She knew where her help came from and went directly to the source herself.

Her story: 2 Kings 4:8-37, 8:4-5When Elisha the prophet traveled through Shunem, this wealthy, godly, generous woman created a room where Elisha could stay when he was in the area. To repay her kindness, Elisha told her God would give her a son and He did. Later, her son died in the field and the Shunammite (as Elisha called her) placed him on Elisha’s bed. She immediately traveled to get Elisha. She did not stop to explain things to Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, when he came out to meet her. Elisha returned with her and raised her son from the dead. Elisha continued to use her room when he was in Shunem. One day, he warned her of a seven-year famine about to start. He told her to move away. She did as he instructed and moved her entire household to Philistia. When she returned at the end of seven years, she had no husband. So she went to the king to appeal for the return of her house and land. When she arrived, the king and Gehazi were discussing all the things Elisha had done. Gehazi told the king about the Shunammite woman and her son. Gehazi recognized her in the room and introduced her to the king. The king asked her about what had happened and she shared. When she was done, the king ordered that her house, land and all the income from her fields from the day she had left to the present were to be restored to her.

Her legacy for us: Often we don’t discuss our deepest dreams, worst fears, greatest disappointments or other hard things with God first. Instead, we talk to everyone. Results happen when we go directly to the One who can help.

Our response to Him: How can I make coming to You my first response? How can I make listening to Your instructions and following them my heart’s desire and the actions I quickly take? How often do I share the good things You have done for me?

Her name was Jehosheba (Jehoshabeath).

Her name contains God’s name, Jehovah, and the verb “to swear or make an oath.” It can be interpreted as “God has sworn” or “she worships Jehovah.”  She worked quickly with God so that His promise to King David was not destroyed by evil.

Her story: 2 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12

Jehosheba is mentioned only twice in Scriptures and her bold action is described in both passages. There are many characters in her story. Jehosheba’s father was King Jehoram, the king of Judah. He had many wives and one wife was Athaliah, a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (consider the ultimate wicked step-mother). Jehosheba married a priest in Jerusalem named Jehoiada. Athaliah had a son, Ahaziah. When Jehoram died, Ahaziah became the king. During Ahaziah’s reign, God sent Jehu to destroy the evil household of Ahab and Jezebel and the prophets of Baal in Israel. Jehu eradicated the family in Israel and then moved toward Judah to execute their family there. He found Ahaziah, his brothers and those who served him and executed them all. When that happened, Athaliah decided she would rule Judah and she annihilated all the royal male heirs, Jehoram’s line, she could find. Jehosheba hid an infant heir, Joash, and his nurse in the temple. They lived hidden in the temple for six years. When he turned seven, Jehoiada, the priest and Jehosheba’s husband, sent for the commanders of the army, bodyguards, and couriers and introduced them to Joash. They revolted against Athaliah and made Joash king.  Joash reigned forty years and did what was right in God’s sight. 

Her legacy for us:  We often understand the importance of protecting the innocent from evil, but we may not know the significance of these actions when we take an eternal perspective. History tells of others who hid away souls God intended to preserve. When we work with God, our actions make kingdom differences.

Our response to Him: How quickly do I act to save and care for the people and things You care for? What needs to change in me so that my worship and service of You becomes courageous?

Addendum: I got caught up reading the Jehosheba’s backstory. It is truly a good vs. evil tale played out in the lives of human begins. One thing struck me. Many of the evil kings had short, bloody, chaotic reigns, but Joash ruled 40 years. He worked to repair the temple, but when he was threatened by a neighboring king, he gave all the consecrated things from the temple as a tribute/ransom for safety. Later, his own servants conspired against him. And this is the question that I’m discussing with God: Where in my life do you see me handing away things that are consecrated to You and Your service? How do I treasure and care for what You treasure?

Her name was Huldah.

Her name means “weasel” and perhaps it refers to the gliding motion the animal makes. Animal names were popular during that time in Israel.

Her story: 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 34:22

Huldah’s story is tied to King Josiah. He was born from a line of evil kings, but he stood out as a good king who loved God. When he was 26, Josiah took the funds collected by the priests, counted them and began rebuilding the temple. During the restoration, the high priest found “the book of the law” and gave it to the court secretary. He brought the book back and read it to the king. Josiah was convicted because the nation had violated God’s commandments, but he didn’t know what to do next. So he sent a delegation of five men to see Huldah. We don’t know how King Josiah knew her. There were other more famous male prophets he could have consulted (Jeremiah and Zephaniah), but he called her by name. Huldah was “the keeper of the wardrobe.” She kept clothes. We know nothing else, except she was also a prophetess. Huldah responded to the king’s question with a message in two parts: (1) Yes, disaster is coming, (2) but because your heart is eager to follow God, it will be delayed and you won’t see it. King Josiah’s brought all of Israel to the temple. He read the book aloud and made a covenant with God to do everything written in the book. On that day, Josiah’s reign was propelled from passively following God to an active battle to rid his nation of the things which God hated and bring back the things that God commanded. At the end of his life, Josiah’s activities as king were called “deeds of faithful love according to what is written in the law of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 35:36)

Her legacy for us: Huldah was a simple woman with a simple job, but she changed the course of a nation because she knew God’s heart and mind and spoke His words.

Our response to Him: Is my trust in You the most prevalent thing others see in me? Do I continually and actively move closer to what You want? How well am I seeking to know Your heart and mind?

Her name means “grace, favored.” It comes from a verb meaning “to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior.” Outwardly, Hannah’s life was filled great favor and great disdain, but Hannah believed God would graciously bend down and hear her prayer and respond with kindness.

Her story: 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:21

Hannah was a beloved wife who could not have children. Her husband’s other wife had sons and daughters and would often taunted and teased Hannah because she was childless. During one of the annual trips to the temple in Shiloh, Hannah went to temple to pray. She simply and quietly expressed her distress to God and humbly asked Him to remember her. She also promised if God would give her a son, she would give him back to serve God as long as he lived. During her prayer, the high priest, Eli, confronted her because he thought she was drunk. She explained what she was doing and Eli sent her home with a blessing that God would grant her what she had asked for. When the family returned home, Hannah became pregnant and Samuel was born. (Samuel means “asked from God”) Hannah took Samuel to back Shiloh when he was weaned. She presented Samuel to Eli and reminded him of her prayer. She “loaned” Samuel to God and prayed another prayer. This time, she praised God even as she made the biggest sacrifice of her life. Then she contrasted the arrogant and proud and how God responds to the strong and the weak. Lastly, she expressed her confidence that God was in control. From that time on, Samuel served with Eli. God gave Hannah three more sons and two daughters.

Her legacy for us: In times of deep distress and pain, God hears the cry of humble hearts and He answers those prayers. When we make promises to God, we must be careful to keep them. Expressing our gratitude and praise for His hand and His plans helps us keep those promises.

Our response to Him: When I am being taunted and feel distressed, how often do I directly run to You? When You answer my desperate prayers, how often do I keep the hard promises I have made to you and do it with a willing, grateful, worshiping heart?

The meaning of their names are similar. Shiphra means “fair, clear, like the brightness of sky” and comes from a verb meaning “to glisten.” Puah means “splendid” and comes from a word that means “to glitter, or brilliancy.” Mentioned by name only once, these women (Glisten and Glitter) played a crucial role in the Exodus story.

Their story: Exodus 1:8-22

Shiphrah and Puah were midwives for Israelite women in Egypt. There was a new king who did not know about Joseph and the blessings that came through him. This king was concerned that the Israelites were more numerous and more powerful than the Egyptians. He forced the Israelites to build supply cities for him. The more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied and became stronger. Maintaining his course of actions, he created even more hardships and removed necessary resources to do the work he commanded. He also summoned Shiphrah and Puah and commanded these midwives to kill all the baby boys born to the Israelite moms – at the moment they were born. Shiphrah and Puah feared God and killed none of the children born to Israelite families. When the king summoned them back to explain their actions (or inaction), they told the king the Israelite moms delivered their babies before the midwife could get to them. Because they had not followed the king’s order, God gave both Shiphrah and Puah their own families. These two midwives stood between the king and God’s people and protected the most vulnerable and innocent of the Israelites.

Their story: Exodus 1:8-22

Shiphrah and Puah were midwives for Israelite women in Egypt. There was a new king who did not know about Joseph and the blessings that came through him. This king was concerned that the Israelites were more numerous and more powerful than the Egyptians. He forced the Israelites to build supply cities for him. But the more he oppressed them, the more they multiplied and became stronger. Maintaining his course of action, he created even more hardships and removed necessary resources to do the work he commanded. He also summoned Shiphrah and Puah and commanded these midwives to kill all baby boys born to Israelite moms at the moment they were born. Shiphrah and Puah feared God and killed none of the children born to Israelite families. When the king summoned them back to explain their actions (or inaction), they told the king the Israelite moms delivered their babies before the midwife could get to them. Because they had not followed the king’s order, God gave both Shiphrah and Puah their own families. These two midwives stood between the king and God’s people and protected the most vulnerable and innocent of the Israelites.

Their legacy for us: In Acts, we read about Peter and John who were commanded not to talk about God and they ask, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges!” Shiphrah and Puah were shining examples of a living response to the same question and to the question, “Who do I ultimately trust?”

Our response to Him:  Am I courageously following Your instructions when it is hard as quickly as when it is easy? When others look at my life, do they know my first response will be to follow You?