Mothers, It’s Life’s Most Important Job!

A MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGE
It’s Life’s Most Important Job!

Moses was an exceptional man who was raised under extremely difficult circumstances. His childhood is described in Exodus 2:1-10. He was born into a Hebrew slave family in Egypt at a very difficult time – when Pharaoh ordered all newborn boys to be drowned in the Nile River (Ex. 1:22). Pharaoh was a cruel king who was afraid that the Hebrews would become too many and too powerful for him to be able to control as slaves.

A Courageous Mother
After Jochebed bore Moses, she hid him from Pharaoh for three months (Ex. 1:2). It was extremely risky to disobey the king, but she loved her baby so much that she was willing to risk everything. Also, his parents realized that he was a special child, and this gave them the courage to defy Pharaoh’s decree (Heb. 11:23).

When she could hide baby Moses no longer, Jochebed built a special boat-like basket that could float on the water. She placed the little boat, with Moses inside, amongst the reeds near the edge of the river, and made sure her daughter Miriam kept watch from a distance.

Amazing things happen when we trust God. First, Pharaoh’s daughter saw the little boat as she was bathing in the river. Then, Moses’ cry drew out the affection of Pharaoh’s daughter. Finally, it was surprising that Pharaoh’s daughter was willing to accept Jochebed as a nurse for Moses (Ex. 1:5-9). Jochebed was able to raise Moses through infancy.

God certainly works in mysterious ways. Satan was foiled by his own means. God used Pharaoh – Satan’s most powerful weapon, who had caused such cruelty and sorrow – to nourish and raise Moses, who grew up to become the savior of his people by delivering them out of slavery.

In Pharaoh’s palace, Moses got the best upbringing the world had to offer – the best education, food, clothes – the best of everything. But all this would have been worthless without the loving care of his mother. Mothers have a significant influence in the lives of their children and their role in a family is irreplaceable.

A Mother Today
It’s unfortunate that modern culture often devalues motherhood. God calls mothers to build a safe, warm, comfortable home for the family. Much of a child’s security and self-worth are shaped by the home that a mother builds: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Prov. 24:3-4 NIV). Unfortunately, mothers often must work outside the home. When we have young children or teenagers, we should be very careful with the number of activities a mom becomes involved in outside the home. I’m not saying a career and outside activities for moms are wrong, but couples should prayerfully consider their children’s needs first. It’s not an easy task, and like so many aspects of our walk with the Lord, there’s no hard and fast rule. The only thing we can do is consult God about every decision.

A mother must guard against looking for personal fulfillment outside the home, rather than through her relationship with God and her family. Children remember impressions, not possessions. We only get one chance to build the character and self-esteem of our children.

Jochebed nurtured Moses, tenderly caring for his emotional and spiritual needs. Moses was healthy and well adjusted only because his mother gave him all her time and attention, putting his needs and interests first.

God wants mothers to love their children (Ti. 2:4). A loving mother will train and instruct them: “A child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. Correct your son and he will give you comfort; he will also delight your soul” (Prov. 29:15,17 nasb). God will honor a mother’s love by blessing her and her children (Prov. 31:28; Ps. 112:2).

Mothers are the primary teachers of the next generation. Each mother is a model that her children can pattern themselves after. She is an example to her daughters of the significant impact of her role as a wife, and she is a model to her sons of the type of woman they should marry.

We should always remember the significant role that the mothers play. They need our constant prayer and encouragement.

A Successful Mother
To become a successful mother like Jochebed, mothers don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be committed to God, His Word and the family He has given them. They must find time daily to read God’s word and pray for their husbands and children. Faith, courage and perseverance are needed to make evident the power of God’s Spirit in family life.

Moms need to commit their children to Christ. They can only protect their children from the world for so long. The world is like the Nile – a vast strong river, with strong currents that can easily sweep our children away. But if mothers faithfully place their children into the Lord’s hands, He will guide and protect them through this world.

Children were given to parents eventually to be released like arrows (Ps. 127:3-5). Just as no arrow is perfectly made, neither can parents raise the perfect child. But we need to point them in the right direction, at the right target. A lifetime of walking with God is a great target to aim for. Then, no matter what else influences them, or how strong the current, they will be aimed at and headed toward the Lord.

Finally, mothers need our constant encouragement. It’s like oxygen for their souls as they do life’s most important job.

By Scott Pattison