Imagine living in a violent culture where your infant child is threatened by a ruler determined to slaughter innocent children. What would you do?
Imagine being a postmenopausal octogenarian and being told that you are going to have a baby. What would you do?
Imagine longing for a child with every fiber of your being, yet year after year remaining barren. What would you do?
Imagine witnessing the execution of your only child. What would you do?
As we approach Mother’s Day, perhaps we would rather not contemplate these situations. Yet throughout history, countless women have faced hardships, fears, heartbreak, uncertainty, and sacrifice in caring for their children.
Thankfully, the maternal instinct is often remarkably strong. A mother’s protective love, fierce devotion, nurturing spirit, and willingness to sacrifice for her children are among God’s greatest gifts. This Mother’s Day, we pause to give thanks for those blessings.
Holy Scripture is filled with stories of women who cared for, protected, and loved their children.
Jochebed, threatened by Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys, hid her son for three months before placing him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River. That child would one day lead Israel to freedom. His name was Moses.
God promised Abraham that his elderly wife Sarah would bear a son. Sarah laughed at the seeming impossibility of it all. When the child was born, they named him Isaac, which means “laughter.”
Hannah desperately longed for a child and prayed fervently to the Lord, promising to dedicate that child to God’s service. Her son became the prophet Samuel.
And Mary stood at the foot of the cross, watching as her innocent son suffered and died. His name was Jesus.
Since Eve, “the mother of all living,” the world has been blessed by women who faithfully care for children, families, communities, and generations yet to come.
During our 9:30 AM worship service this Sunday, May 10th — Mother’s Day — we will give thanks for all who have provided maternal love and care in our lives.
Imagine the blessing of worshiping together. What would you do?
How about inviting your mother?
Your children?
Your family?
Join us.
Blessings,
Pastor Marc
