John 19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
In one of the handful of statements Jesus spoke from the Cross, He made sure that Mary, His mother, was included. Jesus was concerned that she would be cared for after His death. John 19:27 “Then saith he
to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” John was commissioned to provide for Mary and some historical accounts give evidence that she lived with him until her passing.
Jesus only spoke seven statements as He hung from that instrument of death. Each word was uttered through withering pain and agony. The struggle to breath gripped His body as He pulled Himself up by the pierced nails to clear His lungs for one more exhale. In all that suffering, Jesus never lost sight of His faithful mother. The same Spirit which occupied His body had overshadowed her many years prior. Mary believed the voice of the angel and offered every believer the appropriate answer when she said, “Be it unto me according to thy
word.” While the face of Jesus was disfigured, His body wreathing in pain, He saw her and gave recognition to her ongoing needs.
Mother’s Day is not a biblical observance. It wasn’t a structured day in any culture for most of human history. Yet, of all the man-made holidays or days of honor, this is the one which connects us to the
scripture. Paul instructs us to honor father and mother. The Bible is clear on the importance of the wisdom of older women teaching the younger. In all accounts, those older women were the mothers of the church. Even today, the “church mothers” conduct most of the programs; perform most of the work; and support the greater majority of external ministries. It’s critical not to lose sight of these faithful mothers.
We pause to give special honor to all the Apostolic ladies of New Life Fellowship. We are grateful that you have upheld Holiness standards and have kept the Bible doctrine of separation in your daily lives. It is
a blessing to know that our faith is perpetuated through your giving, serving, and sacrifice. To that end, I pay particular honor to Tami Harpole, First Lady of New Life, for her years of faithful service, prayer,
and leadership. Happy Mother’s Day!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole