Book Review: 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness

In my review of "7 Men" I spoke of how the book was "...an introduction to people we may think we already know." I have a confession. While I knew a little about the men, I knew next to nothing about the women whose lives are detailed in "7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness." As a result just about every fact and every facet of their lives was new to me as Eric Metaxas once again delivers on his promise of challenging our definition of what makes a person great.

Like their counterparts in the previous book these are people who followed their convictions. In so doing they withstood trials that might have crushed many men. They saved lives, restored kingdoms and helped restore dignity to those who were helpless. Their life stories inspire and just might make you question what you are doing with your time here on earth.

With its bite sized biographies "7 Women" is good for many different audiences, including those who normally avoid nonfiction. Metaxas gives us a wealth of details with a delivery that is entertaining though at times a bit uneven. (One or two of the biographies seem to shift to another style in a way that feels sort of like a speed bump.) Still this is a good read and a great introduction to some of history's most impressive but perhaps overlooked people. I highly recommend "7 Women," a book that will change your perspective of women while challenging us all to give our best during our time here on earth.

Friday Thoughts: Time to Celebrate and A Reminder to Pray for Our Government

Pennsylvania Capital Complex

For eighteen days the world watched the search for and rescue of a youth soccer team in Thailand. Twelve boys and their coach were trapped in a flooded cave. Fortunately they were found alive. In a race against time divers attempted a daring rescue hoping to beat the monsoon rains that threatened to make the situation worse. Thank God the rescue was successful. All of the boys were rescued just before one of the pumps used to pull water out of the cave failed.

This is a time to celebrate with the families who got their sons back. It is a time to praise God for guiding the search and rescue. It is also a time of mourning as we remember the diver who lost his life during the dive. We stand with his family in prayer and with the doctor whose father passed away while he was in the cave giving medical attention to the children.

Following the rescue both the President and the Vice President released statements. One recognized God. The other (as far as I know) did not. We have been told that both have professed faith in Christ. The difference in  their statements is a reminder that we need to pray for the White House and for all of our government leaders. If they profess Christ, pray they acknowledge Him in all things.

God Through the Eyes of Solomon

When speaking of God in the Old Testament we tend to speak only of His judgement, seeing Him as if He were a heavenly enforcer looking for those whom He could condemn. Meanwhile the New Testament is all about love and mercy, a focus how God forgives our sins. But if God was so heavy handed in the OT, why did people like David want to serve Him? In our search to find God we must not overlook the descriptions of those in the OT who knew Him. We need to look at people like Solomon whose prayer at the temple dedication sounded a lot like he was calling on a God of mercy not the OT judge we have become accustomed to seeing.

2 Chronicles 6:12-31

King Solomon fulfilled his father's dream of building a temple for the God of Israel. Upon completion of this rather elaborate construction project God revealed His pleasure by resting His glory upon the building in the form of a cloud. It was then in the presence of the Lord and of the people that Solomon said a prayer of dedication over God's new home.

In his prayer Solomon acknowledges the Supreme Judge, speaking of a future where both individuals and the nation as a whole would suffer as a result of sin. He speaks of the disasters to come to those who turn their backs on the Lord. Solomon knew God as a judge and does not question His judgements. He seems to accept these as a natural consequence of man's fallen state.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 3:23

Like Solomon, the writers of the New Testament saw God as a judge. The verdict received via the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16) is that all men and women are guilty. The punishment, as decreed from the judgement seat, is far worse than suffering famine or even invasion:

"For the wages of sin is death..."

Romans 6:23

Like it or not the judge seen by Solomon in his day has also judged us today. And just as Solomon, in all his wisdom, accepted God's judgement as right so should we. But we should also recognize that even in the OT Solomon saw much more in God than a judge.

Knowing the people would sin Solomon appeals to God, asking that He would forgive them and restore them when they turn to the Lord in prayer. This was an appeal for God's mercy and grace. Solomon saw God as merciful and had no trouble asking God to forgive sins which had yet to be committed. The wisest man on earth spoke of God in the Old Testament as if he were speaking to the merciful Lord found in the New Testament.

As king of Israel Solomon shared a special relationship with God. He saw God at work in the life of his father and during his own rule as he served during the construction of the temple. What Solomon saw was a judge. At the same time he saw God as merciful. He saw grace. He saw restoration at the hand of the Lord. These would compel him to pray as he did at opening day of God's temple. Solomon's prayer reveals how God looked through his eyes. Do you see the same?