Welcome to this bright new day. Today, we are going to discuss on some important questions that bothers my mine as well as yours, like; Are all widows the same? What are the degrees of their widowhood? Are some widows better than those with husbands? Well, these questions may be shocking at times, but sit back and let's discuss.
From the cradle of creation, women have had their own very unique role in the life of the Church. Nevertheless, many of the women who were referred to as widows even occupied some official positions in the Church. But, before we go on, who is a widow? In a lay man's understanding, a widow is a woman who has lost her husband through death.
The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 5, 1-16 specifically treats the issues of widowhood. For him, he identified three kinds of widows, but modern biblical scholars have identified four. They are: those who are left alone at the mercy of God, who prays day and night to God and asking him for help; those widows who have children; those who live for pleasure and the last category; those who are listed among widows.
Put it differently, those who need no help from the Church ,because they have relatives; those who need help from Church and; those who with or without the help of the Church were in charge of certain functions. In whatever category they belong to, both the Old Testament and New Testament see them as vulnerable, with some variations. Borrowing the thought patter of George Orwell, "all widows are vulnerable, but some widows are more vulnerable than others".
Now, is there any difference between a widow without children and relatives; a widow without children but with relatives and; a widow with wealthy children? Your answer may be as good as mine.. St Paul said in verse 9 -10"let no one be put on the list of widows unless she is 60 years old and has been married only once. She must be commended for her good works and the education of her children.... "
The Wycliffe Bible Dictionary says that under the Mosaic Law care of the widow especially "widows indeed" and those that have little children were left to relatives, and was one of the duties assigned to the eldest son, who received the birthright. The Old Testament held widows in high esteem and respected their status. Thus, in Exodus 22, 21-23 , God instructed as follows "You shall not harm the widow or the orphan. If you do harm them and they cry to me, I will hear them and my anger will blaze and I will kill you with the sword, and your own wives will be widows and your own children orphans".
Why are we so concerned about widows tonight in our teaching? Obviously, widows were dedicated to Christ's work just like we have religious women nowadays. A true widow is the one who has set her hope in God, who prays to him day and night. But is it really proper to neglect them while we have a little to assist them? We often say that "an hungry man is an angry man". Will God not punish us for neglecting them when we have enough to help?
1 Timothy 5, 8 records "Those who do not take care of their own, especially those of their household, have denied the faith and are worse than unbeliever". Initially, we saw different kinds of widows, those who should be assisted by the Church and those who should not.
St. Paul says in verse 4 "If a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn their family duties and give their parents financial help. This is correct and pleases God". Explicitly, this verse has debunk the idea of the Church assisting widows. However, when a widow does not have any one to assist, either as children or relatives, then the responsibility should be shifted to the Church.
What about widows in verse 6?
Let your conscience guide your judgement...I'm out. Thanks for paying attention to me.
Your reactions, contributions, observations, questions and even congratulations are welcome... Lol
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