Forever Beloved

This week we are on to verse 21, which is all about preparation!  How prepared are we as women, home keepers, wives and mothers in case of any emergencies?

At first glance, we see a lady who isn’t concerned when there is a change of seasons because she is prepared.  She is prudent.  She sees that the cold weather is coming, and prepares for it.  Armed with warm clothes for all, she doesn’t have to be anxious.  She thinks and plans ahead.  She doesn’t wait until the snow flies to say “Oh no, we need winter coats and gloves”.

I was curious about the first sentence, when it snows.  For some reason, I had never thought of Jerusalem as having snow.  Certainly not like the snowy winters we have here in Pennsylvania!  But while digging further, I found that two winters out of three will bring snow.  Generally it comes in small quantities and melts quickly.  Yet there are sometimes very snowy winters.  In 1879 their winter brought 17 inches of snow!

And on to no fear for her household.  The virtuous wife doesn’t stand in fear of the snow (or of sin), because she stands in awe of  her Lord.  With Him, there is no need for fear.

As for scarlet, can you think of how many times it’s mentioned in the Bible?  I think of Rahab, and her scarlet cord.  In Leviticus, where the ritual cleaning of a leaper included scarlet fabric.  Saul clothes the daughters of Israel in scarlet.  Scarlet was also used in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple.  In the Song of Solomon scarlet is used in the description of the beauty of the bride where we read “Your lips are like a strand of scarlet..”  These are just a few examples, scarlet is mentioned quite a bit.

From what I could find, clothed in scarlet means she had quality clothing.  She went for quality over quantity.  That type of dye would have really been expensive.  The color was also said to absorb and retain heat, which would certainly come in handy during a snowy winter.  The garments would be not only warm but beautiful.

I have to wonder though, does this have a deeper meaning than just clothing color?  Could it mean she isn’t afraid for her family’s souls, because they are clothed in the scarlet robes of the King’s family?  They are safe under the blood of the Lamb, like the Israelites with the blood over their doors, and like Rahab with the scarlet cord out her window.

This coming week as you shop, as you wash sheets, as you be frugal and find sales and as you tend to your own appearance…do it to the glory of God.

In this verse, we see a lady who has definite concern for the less fortunate.

This God-loving woman isn’t so busy in life that she can’t stop and help someone who is hurting or someone not as fortunate as her.   She is as intent on giving as she is on getting, and does it freely and cheerfully.   She is sympathizing and charitable, and loves to extend to others the blessings which have been given to her.

When I first read this verse, I thought it was pretty straight forward.   But once I dug a little deeper, I found there was more to it.

The King James Version of the first half of the verse is She stretcheth out her hand to the poor.   This was described as she her hand stretched out to the poor, with alms in her hand.   The definition of alms is money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy; anything given as charity.

The King James Version of the second half of the verse is yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  In this verse, she is reaching her hands out to raise and soothe the poor man.  She wasn’t just satisfied by giving him money, she wanted to exercise the gentle ministries of a tender love.

She can see these needs because she isn’t focused on only herself. It’s so easy for us to just get caught up in life and put blinders on to those around you.

It’s so important for us to learn to have a servants heart.  After all, Jesus did say the second greatest commandment was to love your neighbors.  Reaching out to others, being the hands and feet of Jesus, is one of the greatest callings we have in our faith.  Not only does it show the love of Christ for the world, it’s also an opportunity for us to worship God and for us to grow more like Jesus.  I not only think it’s important for us to have a servants heart, but to also model this for our littles.

So this week, be kind, thoughtful and compassionate.  Serve your husband, family, friends and neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit.  Look to the needs of others before you satisfy your own wants.