Moses was born in a very chaotic time. Pharaoh was on a war path, killing every young male child he could find. In a bold move, Moses’ mother, Jochebed, hid him from the Egyptian’s wrath. But after three months there was no safe place left to hide. It was then that she weaved a basket; placed the young Moses inside, and pushed him into the slow, winding waters of the Nile River. Some distance away, Pharaoh’s daughter found him and drew him out, thus his name became Moses “for he was drawn out.” Incredibly, pharaoh’s daughter called for a helper to both nurse and care for the infant child and Jochebed was chosen. Jochebed became mother and teacher; employee and keeper to her own son. It was a miracle ordained by God.
It is here that we see the many roles of motherhood. Moses’ mother was the “everything mom.” But she knew that her time was limited. Jochebed knew that if Moses was to learn about the one true God of Israel, he had to learn it in quick fashion. She did not have the luxury of time to teach him about the ways of the Lord. Hers was an immediate engagement. There was a demand on her to root him in the ways of Jehovah before she released him into the world of the Egyptians. Whatever she taught him in those opening moments had to keep him for a lifetime.
While I submit that it’s never too late to start, the fact is that we all have but a little time to impart the things of God to others. And while we celebrate Mother’s Day, we also know that there is a divine purpose given to every mother regardless of how young or old their children may be. The purpose is to declare the ways of God and the Word of God so that they will not error in life. God’s way is the only path toward salvation. So, speak the truth, Mom. All your children need to hear your voice.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole