As Women’s History Month 2024 enters its final week, I want to share how Psalm 68:11 aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”.
This verse serves as a reminder that God has a perfect plan, and he deliberately includes women to accomplish it. This article issues a call to action and a warning: investing in women is good business sense. Moreover, empowering women can accelerate progress when they are given opportunities to flourish.”
The Significance of Psalm 68:11
Psalm 68:11 declares, “The Lord gives the command; the women who proclaim good news are a great army (NASB) [1]. This verse highlights women’s significance as bearers of God’s word and his perfect plan. God used women to announce God’s word, which effected change in their homes, communities, and around the world.
Historical Examples
Throughout the Bible, women have sung of God’s victories over the enemy. Whether it’s Miriam’s rejoicing in victory over Pharaoh in Exodus 2:15 or Deborah’s singing of triumph over Sisera in Judges 4 and 5, God used their voices to echo his salvation through history.
In the New Testament, after talking with Jesus, the Samaritan woman “left her water jar and went away into town to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the people. They came to see him for themselves, and many believed in him during his stay in the town” (John 4:28-42) [2].
Another example is Martha, whom Jesus instructed to tell the disciples of his resurrection (John 20:18; Luke 24:1; Matthew 28).
The Scriptures describe a number of accounts of women leading in the spreading of the good news. The women I mentioned are just a few examples. They play a pivotal role in announcing liberty to the captives.
Contemporary Women as Gospel Bearers
Even today, women continue to proclaim the gospel: Scripture reveals that in the last days, “your daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
A Call to Action
Investing in women is necessary for instituting change. Ensuring equal access to education and quality health care is essential. Promoting an environment where all can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Breaking Barriers
Investment demands dismantling systemic barriers and stereotypes that hinder others. This requires nurturing a culture of equality—a place where women are equal partners in shaping the future.
Equality in Sharing the Good News
God instructed men and women to share the good news that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). In doing so, we will declare triumph over injustice, inequality, and all that lies between.
Reaffirming Commitment to Women’s Investment
As Women’s History Month 2024 draws to a close, let us reaffirm our commitment to investing in women and girls. Not only for the sake of equality but as a strategic necessity for accelerating progress.
Psalm 68:11 states that “the women who proclaim God’s word are truly a mighty throng” (NIV) [2]. Let’s amplify and celebrate women’s voices, inspiring inclusion and driving innovation that echoes across generations. (John 4:28-42).
References:
[1] Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible., 1995–2020. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[2] “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used with permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public under a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
[3] The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.
