William Ross Wallace once wrote, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” He wrote of the power and preeminence of motherhood; that almost all views are given by the voice of motherhood. The Bible bares this truth in the light and life of Hannah, Jochebed, Jedidah, Eunice, and more. Great men and women were birthed and raised in the things which pertained to the Holy Spirit by virtue of their godly mothers. Wallace asked, Who rules the world? Not politicians, preachers, employers, or the famed, but an attentive mother.
Motherhood is broader than just having a baby. To give birth is no small thing, but even that pales in the face of being a mother. In almost every case, children lean toward their mothers. Mothers carry the sound and sight for the present and the future of their children. They set on course the nations, both for war and peace. Churchill knew this fact and employed the mothers of England to raise sons with patriotism and purpose. In every age, the hand that feeds, cleans, nurtures, and guides holds the power of direction and cause.
The future of the Church is closely related to the spiritual depth of those who occupy the realm of motherhood. They teach holiness through daily living; godliness through common thought; and conviction via intentional boundaries. For the Church to thrive, and not just survive, it will be by the care given to those whose clay has not yet set. For people to be restored, the same virtues of “motherhood” must be exercised. Everyone needs to be cared for, again!
If this Mother’s Day is to be notable, let it not be simply because it is on our calendar. Rather, let it be because we have determined to establish ourselves as people of purpose. Let it be because the entire church body views itself as a place of love, restoration, and mercy for a world without hope. Furthermore, let the hands which guide these lives raise up a great army; marching for Truth and the Cause of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole