ODJ: A Special Mum

May 14, 2017 

READ: Hebrews 11:23-27 

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it (Proverbs 22:6).

Most people would agree that mothers are very special people. In many countries, we even set aside a date on the calendar—Mother’s Day—to celebrate them. As I was thinking about my own mum, I remembered another mother who’s truly worth knowing. Jochebed protected her newborn—“a special baby”— because she loved him (Exodus 2:2). The law of a powerhungry king required baby Moses to be drowned. But due to her deep faith in God, she was “not afraid to disobey the king’s command” (Acts 5:29; Hebrews 11:23). Moses was saved in an amazing way! By God’s providence, Jochebed became Moses’ nursemaid. And when Moses was older, he was “taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). The infant in peril became a prince of privilege (Exodus 2:7-10).

As an adult, Moses turned his back on the power and pleasures of Egypt. Instead, he chose to suffer with his oppressed people. He wasn’t afraid of the king’s anger because he saw “the one who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:24-27).

How did Moses know the history of his people? How did he obtain his convictions? How did he develop such deep faith in God?

As his nursemaid (Exodus 2:9), Jochebed probably had opportunities to tell Moses the stories of Yahweh and the history of his people. Her godly influence and great faith may have therefore been imprinted on the life and heart of Moses (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Jochebed’s three children testify to the kind of mother she was. Aaron, Miriam and Moses became the leaders of God’s people (Micah 6:4). Jochebed means “Jehovah (God) is her glory”. She lived up to her name by His power and help. Today, may we celebrate godly mothers who point their children to Jesus and live out their faith by His strength.

—K. T. Sim

365-day plan: Psalm 23:1-6