Motherhood - 3 things we can learn from Scripture

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to take a look at how God’s Word views motherhood. 

Maybe it’s because I am a grandmother that I view these biblical portraits more personally. Watching my daughter-in-law with my new grandson brings back so many memories of my son as an infant.

The Holy Scripture attributes motherly qualities to God in many passages. The ancient prophets often used metaphors of mothers to portray God’s fidelity and love. Isaiah describes God as a loving mother who had carried Israel from their infancy. Isaiah 66:13 states, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”  As Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, claiming that the prophets were killed for exposing evil, He exclaimed, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Our Lord displayed moments of great emotion and tenderness, which were often compared to a devoted mother’s love.

So what does Biblical motherhood look like? Here are 3 things we can learn from Scripture:

1.  God is the one who defined motherhood

Genesis chapters 3 and 4 introduce us to Eve, the first mother. Adam called her name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. She conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” Cain worked in the fields and tilled the earth which yielded crops of which he presented his sacrifice to the Lord God. She then bore Abel, the son who was loving and responsible, tending the flocks in the meadows. After Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage over what appeared to him to be God’s favoritism, Cain was banished by God for shedding his brother’s blood, never to return to his family.

Adam and Eve then conceived Seth, whose lineage began to “call on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 5).  We can only imagine how Eve must have heard the Lord God’s words ringing in her ears, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children.” That sorrow and pain were evidenced in the heartbreak Eve experienced as the first mother on earth, mourning one son who was dead, and the other who was never to be seen again. But, in God’s great mercy, their third son, Seth, would provide the path to mankind’s salvation over generations which culminated in the Lord Jesus Himself (Luke 3).

2.  God is the one who defended motherhood

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt. She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of the Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child. She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River. As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently. Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly instruction and loving example to that little Hebrew child. Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s palace?

3.  God is the one who revered motherhood

In the gospels of Matthew and Luke we see details of young Mary’s introduction to the angel Gabriel and his startling revelation about her heaven ordained pregnancy. The angel had come vested with a divine commission – “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.” As Mary questioned the angel about the particulars of conception, the angel answered that the body of Jesus would be created by an act of Divine power, and that the Holy One who would be born would be called the Son of God. She displayed complete resignation and surrender of her heart to God.

After Jesus was born, we can imagine many nights nursing the baby and pondering all that lay ahead for the special Child. When she and Joseph journeyed to Jerusalem, obeying Jewish law for her purification, they offered two turtle doves and later presented Jesus to the priest for his blessing. Mary and Joseph marveled as Simeon proclaimed the baby “the salvation of Israel”, and Anna, the prophetess confirmed his prophetic words. But Mary also heard Simeon proclaim, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against, (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 

In the years to come, Mary would indeed suffer the pangs of sorrow as her heart was pierced, even at the Lord’s excruciating death.  But what comfort she heard coming from her Son, even at death’s door, giving instruction to John regarding her care! What love and devotion to her in that moment! (John 19:25-27)

There are times we wonder if what we are doing is really having any impact on our children. 

Sometimes we imagine that we fall woefully short of the mandate we have to nurture and train up our sons and daughters in the ways of the Lord. Do not despair - you have a greater sphere of influence than you might think. Here is a past post on this very subject:

Mom - you DO have influence

We will certainly experience joy, sorrow, pride, grief, and all other range of emotions during our God ordained roles as mothers and caregivers of our children. Thank God for motherhood. We are the better for it!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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Motherhood - 3 things we can learn from Scripture

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today

Mother's Day is a holiday with an interesting history.

Mother's Day began nearly 150 years ago in the United States, when Anna Jarvis, a homemaker from Appalachia, organized a day (Mother's Work Day) to raise awareness of something mothers hold near and dear to them:  poor health conditions in her community.

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. Julia was a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,

When Anna Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers.  In 1913 the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day.  In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

Mother's Day was first observed by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed greed and profit was overtaking the original intent of the holiday. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition.

However, the holiday of Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. The second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to celebrate and show appreciation to their mothers. Telephone calls, cards, and flowers break all records for Mother's Day.

 A Biblical Portrait of Motherhood:

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.  She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  We must teach by example and pray for their spiritual growth.  We are to “watch over the ways of our household, and not remain idle” – but stay balanced as we lead our children into adulthood one step at a time.  May we look to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and strength.

Famous Quotes:

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
-Abraham Lincoln 

 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." 

-George Washington 

 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-Author Unknown 

Do you have a special event or family tradition that you observe on 

Mother's Day?  Share with me your memories or plans 

for this special holiday...

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today