Mothers of the Bibleনমুনা

Jochebed: God Loves My Kids

But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. —Exodus 2:3, NIV

A mother’s love for her children is fierce. A mother bear protecting her cubs is one of the most dangerous animals. Science has proven that when a mother’s child is in danger, her adrenaline will increase, and she will receive what has been dubbed “hysterical strength” to protect her child. Maybe you’ve heard stories of mothers moving large trees or obstacles off of their children.

As a mother, I can’t think of very many things I wouldn’t do for my children. In the Bible, Moses’ mother, Jochebed, was no different. She loved her child and would do anything for him. But Moses was born during a time when the nation of Israel was enslaved in Egypt. The Egyptian rulers were afraid of the Israelites growing in number, so they commanded every baby born that was a boy be killed.

Jochebed gave birth to a son, Moses, and was able to hide him from officials for several months. Her ability to hide a fussy newborn for months is a superhuman feat in and of itself. But when she could no longer keep him hidden, she made a mini basket for him and placed him on the edge of the river, hoping someone would find and save him.

Jochebed let her child go, believing God would take care of him.

As a mother of teenagers, that first moment when they drive away after getting their drivers’ license is a little scary. You know you have done the training. You know they passed the test. But you are also aware of the dangers that still exist. You are no longer there and in control!

Letting go starts when they are even younger. We let go a little when they no longer sleep within eyesight. We let go a little more when they walk on their own, no longer holding our index fingers. We let go a little more when they go to school or stay at a friend’s house without us.

All along, God gives us little moments of letting go. Asking us to trust him.

Jochebed loved her son. But God loved him more, and as a result, Moses grew and led his nation out of captivity.

Challenge: Pray for the courage to let go and trust God’s plan for your kids.