READ

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. Luke 8:1-3

CONSIDER

When God provides examples in the Bible of good stewardship, He often directs our attention to women. Throughout the Bible, women are cited for being good investors. They are wise in their work and in the use of their resources:

• Women know how to invest in real estate and turn a profit (Prov. 31:16-18).
• Women know how to plan and build entire cities (1 Chron. 7:24).
• Women know how to support themselves through entrepreneurial endeavors (Acts 16:14).

Women are wise with work and money. This may explain why 95 percent of women serve as the primary manager of their household money at some point in their life.

Women are also key financial supporters of God’s Kingdom.

• A widow is commended for her sacrificial generosity (Luke 21:1-4).
• Phoebe was a patron of Paul’s ministry (Rom. 16:1-2).
• Tabitha is described as “full of good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36).

Throughout the Bible, women invest their money in the work of God’s Kingdom. Luke tells us about a group of women who journeyed with Jesus and used their resources to sustain His ministry. They have names: Mary, Joanna, and Susanna. Yet, he also says there were also “many others.” Not a few others. Many.

People who personally experience Christ become enthusiastic about Him. They steer their attention, resources, and other people to Him. During Christ’s ministry, these supporters were often women who had been “healed of evil spirits and infirmities.” They believed in who Christ was and what He was doing. Their faith manifested itself through generosity.

Women take action. They continue to be vital to Christ’s work in the world today. Luke’s inclusion of these women in his gospel account forces us to think about three things:

First, the gospel transforms our whole life, including the way we use our money. It changes the way we look at work (Col. 3:22-25), food (1 Cor. 8), sex (1 Cor. 6:12-20), and money (2 Cor. 8:1-15). It impacts the most intimate parts of our life. Encountering Jesus changed the way these women spent their time and money.

Second, we participate in Christ’s ministry through generosity. Christ is building and advancing His church. Our generosity is a very real way He invites us to participate in it. Generosity results in people praising our God and Savior (2 Cor. 9:12).

Third, we should celebrate real-life examples of generosity in our churches. The New Testament tells us about people who opened their homes and used their resources to support Christ’s church. We should find ways to celebrate people who refresh others.

Women are often cited throughout the Bible for refreshing others. They provide important examples of what it looks like to personally sacrifice and trust in God. Perhaps the way we can refresh them for their generosity is identifying and celebrating them as the Bible does.

APPLY

1. What ways have you seen women in your life exercise generosity with their gifts, skills, and resources? How have these examples challenged you in your generosity?
2. Write a note, make a call, or take time to personally thank the living examples of generosity in your church.

PRAY

Jesus, we praise You for making all things new! Change our lives in the same way You changed the lives of these women. We pray the power of Your gospel would prevail in every aspect of our lives, especially as it pertains to our money. Help us to believe that You will refresh us and make us whole as we refresh others with the resources You’ve entrusted to us. Increase our faith and our generosity.