The story of Moses’ birth has been one of my favorites since childhood. I’ve always loved how Moses’ momma put him in a basket where he was rescued by a princess and got to live in a palace. But, it wasn’t until recently that I started to think about the complexity of Moses’ beginning from the perspective of one key player—Moses’ mom, Jochebed. I’ve come to see Jochebed as one of the best moms in the Bible, and one who has much to teach us about mothering in the twenty-first century.
Jochebed gave birth to a son at a time when the Pharoah was ordering boy babies to be killed at birth (Ex. 1:15-22). She kept him a secret as long as she could, but eventually she made the difficult choice to place her baby in a basket and hope for the best. That baby was rescued by the Pharoah’s daughter. He became the great leader of the people of Israel long after his adopted mother named him, “Moses.” That’s old news. But have you considered that Jochebed mothered in times that were hostile toward motherhood? In fact, she valued motherhood above her own safety, security, or reputation.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the climate in our current culture isn’t ultra mommy-friendly. True, no one is ordering our babies thrown into the Nile, but in general, the culture doesn’t seem to tout that motherhood is a high and holy calling and worthy use of a woman’s time, talents, and ministry efforts. That pendulum may swing back eventually, but in some sense, mothers and children have always been on hostile ground.
Author, Rachel Jankovic put it this way, “Christian mothers carry their children in hostile territory. When you are in public with them, you are standing with, and defending, the objects of cultural dislike. You are publicly testifying that you value what God values, and that you refuse to value what the world values. You stand with the defenseless and in front of the needy. You represent everything that our culture hates, because you represent laying down your life for another–and laying down your life for another represents the gospel. Our culture is simply afraid of death. Laying down your own life, in any way, is terrifying.”
Mothering always comes at a cost. And choosing to mother in ways that are focused on God’s standards for your family and the value of pouring your life out for your children won’t always be met with a standing ovation.
In Lies Women Believe, Nancy Leigh DeMoss helps us understand how our circumstances are similar to Jocebed’s:
“God is the Creator, Author, and Giver of life. Not surprisingly, as the sworn enemy of God, Satan hates life. He has always sought to destroy it. He persuaded Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, knowing that if they did, they would die, as God had promised. When Adam and Eve gave birth to two sons, Satan incited the elder of the two to murder his younger brother. Satan is the thief Jesus spoke of who ‘comes only to steal and kill and destroy’ (John 10:10, italics added). His intent and strategy are precisely the opposite of God’s plan, for in the same verse Jesus says, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ As a destroyer of life, Satan is definitely not into encouraging childbearing. Every child that is born has the potential to thwart his purposes by receiving God’s grace and becoming a subject of the kingdom of God. So anything that hinders or discourages women from fulfilling their God-given calling to be bearers and nurturers of life furthers Satan’s efforts.”
Pharoah wasn’t the original baby hater. And those who would tear down the value of motherhood in our time aren’t just making changes to society. The stakes are much higher than that. But we can find great hope in Jochebed’s story.
What was the outcome of Jochbed’s decision to mother? God honored her mother’s heart. When Pharoah’s daughter needed a wet nurse for Moses, Jochebed got the job. She got to look at that baby boy’s profile and whisper to him about the God of Israel after all.
God is using Jochebed to teach me a simple lesson. Motherhood isn’t always easy and it isn’t always applauded. But God has great plans for my family that begin with me making the choice to mother well even when I face resistance.
If you’re a mom or a woman who pours into the lives of children, let me join Jochebed in reminding you of one simple truth—what you’re doing matters. Put your efforts, your time, and your energy into the basket of the children God has entrusted to you, and trust Him with the results.
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Comments
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:24 am
Thank you for the encouragement! Bless you for sharing your wisdom today.
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:25 am
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:37 am
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:47 am
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 10:39 am
Yes! Unfortunately, even Christian women will often roll their eyes at the idea that they should sacrifice themselves for their children--at least when that sacrifice comes in the form of lower financial standing. This article yesterday summed up the popular sentiment toward children, and I believe far too many Christians nod their heads in agreement with it: (here's an example: http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/save-money-not-having-children/ )
I've noticed that, as a culture, we've set our purses at odds with our children, and the primary thing that keeps people (Dads, too!) from doing the right thing for their children, or even allowing God to bless them with children is the almighty paycheck. Christian parenting is laying up treasures in heaven.
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 10:39 am
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 11:29 am
One of the things that bother me is that I can't stay at home with them at this time. I want so much to do that and to homeschool them when the time comes but it is financially impossible for me. The Lord has blessed us with two sitters that have come into our home and stay with our children so that we can monitor what they are exposed to. So thankful for that...
I'm so glad that you brought this message to us today. Motherhood is about sacrificing..I wish I had thought of that when my husband and I first got married...I would have sacrificed awhole lot more. I'm glad I see it now though, and will try my best to live a life that is pleasing to God with regard to my children and my husband.
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 12:34 pm
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 1:18 pm
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Thank you so much for your post. Being a mom IS a
high and holy calling, and as you said, mothering comes at a cost, but it is more than worth it!
Another lesson that Jochebed has taught me is to "let go." We read in our Bibles how she prepared his little basket and made it as waterproof as she could, but this was her precious little boy that she was sending down the Nile. What faith in God that she had, that she entrusted her precious little boy to Him. She had no idea what would befall her boy nor the plans that God had for him, yet she "let him go." As the mother of young adult sons, one of whom is not living for the Lord, Jochebed teaches me that I, too, have to "let him go," entrusting Him to the One who knows and loves him best.
Blessings,
Arlene
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 3:31 pm
on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 4:25 pm
I say this all to encourage those moms who with their husbands say we will make the sacrifice, who get talked about by family, who question if they are really doing the right thing. God is our ultimate provider and obedience is crucial. So whether you are going from steak to chicken, credit cards to coupons, trust Him! You are exactly where God wants you to be. Culture and the economic climate doesn't change God's word!
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 8:35 am
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 9:41 am
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 11:33 am
Thanks for the encouragement to press on when those around us think we are foolish!
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 3:47 pm
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 5:36 pm
on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 10:05 pm
on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 1:29 pm
on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Indeed you were gifted with the morning with your 20-year old! I am thankiing the Lord with you!
I know how difficult the season of “college hunting/scholarship hunting” can be. I encourage you to find a guidance counselor/recruiter at a Christian college. They know all the ins and outs of the scholarship world and their job is to help in these areas. Call the schools you are intereseted in, and give them the information you gave in this post and see what they can offer. Dr. Pat Ennis and Dr. Lisa Tatlock (Nancy DeMoss interviewed them for a series of programs on Revive Our Hearts)both teach Home Economics with the Christian worldview at The Master’s College in California. Also, Liberty Univiersity has a heart for girls such as your daughter—she will have opportunity to write her testimony and what her deisres are as she writes to the colleges to see what is available to her. Also, check out Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. They turn out lovely graduates.
God bless you and your daughter as you seek God’s direction for this important time in her life.
on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 4:17 pm