The #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault began to spread virally on social media in October 2017 after Hollywood Director Producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual misconduct/mistreatment of women. Tarana Burke, a black female, social activist first began using the phrase in 2007, but actress Alyssa Milano popularized its use to encourage women to use it to show the magnitude of the problem of sexual abuse. Other celebrities joined in and between noon and midnight on October 15, 2017 the hashtag had been used 200,000 times. On Facebook, 4.7 million people used the hashtag in 12 million posts in 24 hours.
In November 20`7 the hashtag #Churchtoo was first used to highlight the sexual abuse that happens in church settings, specifically among men in positions of power against younger women (and men). Soon another hashtag – #silenceisnotspiritual -emerged to try to influence how sexual abuse is handled in church settings. In fact, earlier this summer at our own Southern Baptist Convention, due to sexual misconduct scandals that have recently come to light in our denomination, a movement was born and a rally held -#ForSuchATimeAsThis
These movements, with their aims at empowerment of women who are trapped in powerless situations has spread across all sectors of our society as well as globally as more and more women are working to raise awareness of the extent of the problem of sexual harassment and to combat inappropriate predatory behavior.
There are many different viewpoints of the efficacy and validity of the usage of the #MeToo hashtag as well as some of the goals and aims of those leading the charge, but all of us women can agree there is never any place, at any time in our society where it is acceptable for women to be mistreated, abused, harassed or viewed as sexual objects or treated as possessions. We also can agree that in most instances of abuse, it is the woman who suffers, who bears the burden and the shame, who bears the consequences, oftentimes alone.
As a woman, some of the news stories, the revelations, of the past several months have been difficult for me to digest. Perhaps for you too. Maybe you, like me, have had experiences in your career, particularly if in a male dominated industry, that have echoed some of the accusers claims. As I grappled with the stories of pain and abuse and exploitation of the women who have suffered, it led me to search the scriptures for examples of women who were mistreated and who survived – even thrived. That led me to the Old Testament books of Ruth and Esther…. and thus…. why we are embarking on a deep dive into these two often overlooked gems in our Bible.
I believe we will be captivated and fascinated by the richness of the stories of these women – not just the main characters of Ruth and Esther, but also of those women in supporting roles: Queen Vashti; Naomi; and Orpah. But more importantly I believe we will discover that both stories illustrate the faithfulness of God’s mercy and grace towards His people, the descendants of Abraham. God’s ongoing love story of redemption of His people, chosen by Him without regard to their prowess or might, but because of His agape love. And we’ll discover that both of these women played a vital role in fulfilling the covenant promise God made to Abraham, that all the world would be blessed through his seed.
When we add to this mix the geographical setting of both stories and the geo-political events taking place currently, I believe this study is #ForSuchATimeAsThis.
Only two books in the Bible are named after women – these two – Ruth and Esther. Ruth is a gentile – a Moabite widow and Esther, a Jewish orphan. We do not know who authored the book of Ruth, but we do know it described events that took place approximately 1200 BC, around the same time as the events in Judges Chapter 10. Esther occurred during the reign of Persia’s King Xerxes who ruled from 486BC-465BC. Even though more than 700 years separate these women’s lives, both books speak to similar issues.
Survival in difficult foreign circumstances.
Ruth was a Moabite woman who left her home, her family and her gods to accompany her Mother in Law Naomi to Bethlehem in Judah. Esther was a Jewish orphan whose family had been taken captive and exiled from Judah to Susa, Persia (Iran). Both women faced life in a foreign land and were subject to difficulties and discomfort.
Divine Providence
Both Ruth and Esther reveal how God works in the lives of His people, even though both illustrate Him doing so indirectly, behind the scenes. In fact, God’s name is never mentioned in Esther, even though we the reader are very aware of His presence and activity in directing and controlling the action. We see God working through everyday people as well as those in lofty circumstances.
Megilloth (Scrolls)
Ruth and Esther are part of the Historical Books of the Old Testament, tracing the history of the nation of Israel. Ruth is placed after the book of Judges and Esther follows Ezra and Nehemiah, which both describe the events of the Persian exile period. In the Hebrew arrangement of the Old Testament Esther and Ruth are two of the five Megilloth (Scrolls). Each of the Scrolls were read annually at a festival. Song of Song is read at Passover; Ruth at Pentecost or Shavout, Lamentations of the Nine of Ab; Ecclesiastes at the Feast of Tabernacles and Esther at Purim.
Mercy and Provision
Both Ruth and Esther celebrate God’s deliverance and His mercy towards His people. Ruth (and Naomi) are delivered from their dire situation as widows in a patriarchal society and Esther is instrumental in obtaining deliverance for her people from annihilation.
#ForSuchATimeAsThis
Both Ruth and Esther lived during a period in history where women had no rights or privileges. Both women defied common customs and mores and courageously obeyed God’s leading in order to accomplish the tasks He placed before them. Both of these women give witness to the fact that God equips and uses those of us who are willing to listen to and obey Him.
Today, in modern day America, we as believers are foreigners living in difficult times. Many days it may feel as if we are orphaned exiles, like little Esther. But do not fear~ our good and gracious God never leaves us as orphans! I hope that as we become better acquainted with these two heroines, you and I will find both inspiration and courage, as well as comfort in the testimony of God’s faithfulness. He is a sovereign, covenant keeping God!
Beginning next week, I will have the audio recording of our weekly lesson to go along with all our notes and resources. This study will have a book. If you are local you can purchase a book at the Women’s Ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. If you want to purchase the book online click here.
I’m excited to share with you this study and pray that you too will fall in love with these two women.
~Class One Homework
Read Chapter 2 of “For Such a Time as This” and answer workbook’s questions.
