Photo credit by Liv Bruce on Unsplash
It was the Lord who first gave value to the mothers by likening His love to the love the mothers are giving to their children. He says in Isaiah 66:13, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you...” And to add, the Lord even considers the love of the mothers the second greatest in Isaiah 49:15. “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.” He mentions the mother’s love to illustrate best His love for us. It is for us to understand clearly how deep God’s love is for His children.
Exemplary mothers were mentioned in the Bible like Jochebed (Exodus 6:20). Her name may not be as popular compared to the others but the courageous act she did for her child will never be forgotten (Exodus 2:1-10). Her great faith in God made her fought for her son’s life. And with her faith, her son, Moses lived. He was God’s instrument in leading the Jews out of slavery in Egypt. Her son Moses was also the one entrusted by God with the Ten Commandments.
Another mother in the Bible named Hanna has showed an exemplary character (1 Samuel). She was so persistent in her prayer. She prayed so hard that the Lord will bless her with a child and she promised that if God answers her prayer, then she will dedicate her child to God. And in 1 Samuel 1:22, it mentions that she did keep her promise unto God after God gave her what she asked for.
And there was Mary, she had put her full confidence on God and had surrendered herself to the will of God in her life. Says in Luke 1:38, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” And with her obedience to the Word, she was named the most blessed among all women for she has carried in her womb the Savior of the world, our Lord JESUS CHRIST!
These three mothers in the Bible— the courageous Jochebed, the persistent and promise keeper Hanna, and Mary, a faithful servant of God— their actions have to be appreciated. All of them had faced a very difficult decision in their lives like Jochebed who could have been killed if caught, like Hanna who could have been ridiculed more by her rival if she has not yet bear a child, and like Mary who could have been misjudged by the people around her for bearing a child when she’s still a virgin. But these negative thoughts did not stop them from doing God’s purpose in their lives. Despite the danger or the unfavorable circumstances they may face, they chose to be faithful unto God, continue to trust and obey His Word.
Today, we honor the “Jochebed”, the “Hanna”, and the “Mary” of this generation. Grateful for the mothers who are faithful to the Lord, untiringly praying for their children, giving their best to raise them to be the children God wants them to be. Grateful for the mothers who selflessly have given their lives for their children to make sure they’ll grow closer to God and be ready for any challenge that may come their way. And grateful for all mothers who have not given up on their children, who are fighting hard for their children to be safe and untainted from this unruly world.
Salute to all mothers. You are all doing a great job! The Lord be with you all!
Proverbs 31:25-28
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
