God Sometimes Calls Us To Be Single.
Biblical Characters Who Were Great Examples of Singleness
Mary Magdalene
faithfully followed the Lord after he freed her from the demons that
bothered her. She had no other obligations. She was honored to be one of
the 3 ladies at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified.
Martha of Bethany was
a faithful servant and had the gift of hospitality. She served Jesus
and others when they visited her home, which she shared with her sister
Mary and brother Lazarus.
Mary of Bethany
has a special place in Scripture. She loved Jesus and even washed His
feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. She was persecuted for
this but Jesus said she would be remembered for her loving care:
“Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached
throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken
of for a memorial of her.” (Mark 14:9)
Miraim
was courageous even as a young girl when she brought Moses’ (her
brother) own mother to Pharaoh’s daughter for a nurse and then went with
Moses and their brother Aaron to lead the Hebrews out of captivity.
Jeremiah had
no problem at all faithfully recording the prophecies that God gave to
him. He did this because he believed his calling (Jeremiah 1:1-9). God
trusted him to do it (Jeremiah 1:12). Throughout the chapters in the
Book of Jeremiah we see Jeremiah’s commitment to prayer and humility to
accept the help of others that the Lord sent his way.
Lydia,
a great business woman, she successfully produced and sold a unique
shade of purple in Thyatira (Acts 16:14). She used her wealth and home
to serve those in the ministry (Acts 16:15).
Ruth,
though she was a young widow, we can look to Ruth as a wonderful
example of a servant to her family. Upon the death of her husband she
considered her mother-in-law Naomi as her own mother. She did as Naomi
said to do and during her time of singleness continually provided for
Naomi. God eventually provided a new husband for Ruth named Boaz and it
was her noble character that first drew him to love her and want her as
his wife. You can read her story in the Book of Ruth.
John the Baptist
was the one who prepared the way for the Lord. He followed Jesus and
preached His message regardless of the consequences to him personally.
Eventually he was beheaded by King Herod for his persistence in
spreading the word, and even chastising the king for his marriage to his
brother’s wife. (Mark 6:14-29).
Jesus
was never married. This allowed Him to be totally devoted to His
mission as Savior of the world. Some say He was married but the Bible
never mentions a wife. In my opinion, I believe if Jesus had a wife God
would have told us about that, right?
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