Apostolic Women

I am reading a book that was loaned to me by a dear friend of mine. The book is called, The Lost Apostle and you can find more on it/the author here: http://www.renapederson.com/

It's the story of Junia, an apostle named by Paul, the one whom also mentions that women should learn in quiet submission. The basis of the book is found in Romans 16:7.

"Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."

Junia was a woman.

When I first started to read the book, something inside of me began to identify with the shame of being a female in general, let alone in ministry. My deep-rooted fear of man (not limited to women, by any means) began to reveal itself and I felt a deep sorrow in my heart. Not your typical response, I don't think, to discovering that there were indeed female apostles in the Bible. You would think that my heart would have initially been delighted but, I was confronted w/my own disbelief and ignorance over this issue. I've been in such a season of coming into my 'own' (or rather, 'his' own) that my eyes have been both gradually and instantly opened in a way that absolutely feels revelatory. I should not be surprised by such obvious insights and yet, it always seems like the first time I've heard it when it does come.

I believe a revelation of bridal partnership is coming in a deep, powerful way. I am reminded of the recent words of Shelley Hundley concerning this. And this revelation is most certainly for the bride, both men and women, but I see so many prophetic parallels in the way the women in the Bible governed w/authority, fearlessness and integrity of heart and how the Bride of Christ is to govern, as well. Women who feared the Lord and acknowledged his name were used mightily by Him to accomplish His purposes. There is no male/female in Christ in this sense. Galatians 3:28 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.'

I believe this is the time for me to finish this book. The Holy Spirit is calling me to journey with Him and to open up my heart to what the scriptures really say and really mean concerning women, and apostolic women, at that. I have no desire to rule over a man as I see my own shortcomings and vulnerabilities every day. However, I also see these same obstacles in the lives of men.

I believe the LORD is raising up a warring bride. There is no doubt of this in me. However, am I willing to believe that he really IS raising up Deborah's whom govern His children, and settle matters? I have prayed it, I have believed it in part but I feel the Lord wants to release faith in a greater measure to me that I could call forth the generals in the bride; the women, in specific. Those who do not fear because they know their God. Those who are not afraid of blood and war and burn with the justice of a Bridegroom King. Those who will carry out the strategies of heaven as they are allowed to be in the counsel of the war room. Lord, bring forth a warring bride, whomever will arise and shine! Especially the women and children; while unsuspecting warriors, the victory has been given to them.