A SIX-COW WOMAN
In some ancient cultures, a prospective bridegroom paid a bride price to a young woman’s family, often in cattle. An average woman might be valued at two cows, while an exceptional girl might command three.
Then there was the six-cow woman.
A wealthy, handsome suitor visited a village to find a wife. The young women were paraded before him. Instead of the tribe’s beauty, he selected a rather ordinary, somewhat clumsy girl. The baffled villagers whispered, “Perhaps he’s looking for a bargain.” Then came the bigger surprise. Without haggling, he paid her family six cows.
Months later, the newlyweds returned. The townspeople could hardly believe their eyes. The girl’s slumping shoulders and downcast eyes had disappeared. She radiated a beauty that seemed to come from within. What had changed? She knew her value. She was a six-cow woman.
(R. Glenn Greenwood & Latayne Scott, The Shout of the Bridegroom, p. 61-62)
The Bible describes Christ’s people as His bride (Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 19:6-9). Jesus paid the ultimate bride price for us. First Peter 1:18-19 says: “It was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed … but with the precious blood of Christ.” Think about that. Jesus purchased you with His own blood.
Your value isn’t determined by appearance, accomplishments, popularity, or failures. Your worth rests in the love of the One who gave Himself to redeem you. Your price was infinitely greater than six cows, six thousand cows, or all the cattle on earth.
When we internalize that truth, it changes how we live. We can walk with greater confidence, pursue holiness, resist Satan’s lies, and reflect the beauty of Christ to the world.
So when Satan whispers, “You’re worthless,” or when someone criticizes you, remember who you belong to and what Christ paid for you. You can answer, “I know who I am. I am deeply loved and precious to Jesus. I am a six-cow child of God!”
PONDER:
On a scale of one to ten, how deeply do you believe that you are a six-cow woman in Christ’s eyes?
How might knowing your value in Christ change the way you see yourself and live each day?
PURSUE: For a deeper dive, read and meditate on 1 Peter 1:17-25.
Dear Jesus, help me see myself as You see me: deeply loved, precious to You, and redeemed by Your blood.
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