Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Motherhood: Participation in God’s plan.
Women, like men, are created
in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). Women play prominent roles in many key
biblical narratives. They have a unique and vital role in child-bearing and
nurturing. Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous
with servant hood, as it involves unconditional love, self-sacrifice,
unselfishness, faithfulness and so on.
Think of some of the great men of the Bible such as
Moses, Samuel and Timothy whose lives were influenced by their spirit-led
mothers. Think of St. Augustine, the zealous John Wesley and Charles Wesley.
Their names may never have lighted the pages of history, had it not been the
blessed influence of godly mothers. What a tragedy to neglect the counsel of a
godly mother. ‘A thousand men may build a city, but it takes a mother to make a
home’. Writing to Timothy , St. Paul says ‘I have been reminded of
your sincere faith, which first lived in your grand-mother Lois and in your
mother Eunice and , I am persuaded now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5).
We have so many
examples of mothers in the Bible. Mary, mother of Jesus is a good example of
motherhood. She stands out above all others as the most blessed, most highly
favored by God. Her motherhood is significant, as she surrendered
unconditionally to the will of God (Luke 1:38). Mary’s song of praise is filled
with Messianic hope, spiritual language and references to the Abrahamic
Covenant (Luke 1:46-55). It is clear that Mary’s young heart and mind were
already thoroughly saturated with the Word of God. She praised the glory and
majesty of God while repeatedly acknowledging her own lowliness. She took
no credit for anything good in herself. It reflects the simple spirit of
humility that colored all her life and character. She was clearly a woman of
dignified grace and courage. Mary quietly watched her son die when others were
screaming and insulting Him. The pain of Mary’s anguish is unimaginable. The
words of Simon came true “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke
2:35). She stood silently near to the cross. Mary seemed to understand that her
steadfast presence at Jesus’s side was only a kind of support she could give
Him at this dreaded moment. Jesus while dying on the cross, remembered His
mother and called her by her name and entrusted the disciple John to take care
of her (John 19:26-27).
Motherhood is a calling. Mothers
have significant role in God’s plan to bring the children up in such a way that
they should come to believe Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the great gift
of motherhood. We remember the blessed lives of our mothers and grandmothers.
Enable us to trust and serve the Lord they worshiped.
Thought for the Day: “God has conferred on motherhood true nobility, and she who gladly
fills that role can shape the child’s destiny.”
Rev. P.A. Abraham, MTC Philadelphia.
Theme of the week
Theme of the week: Motherhood: Participation in God's plan