Thursday, August 13, 2015

Fully Surrendered - Jochebed, Moses' Mother

background image credit: kathycollardmiller.blogspot.com
I imagine after Pharaoh gave the power to kill to any and every Egyptian, Jochebed may have chosen to suffer in silence for a long time.  She may have chosen not to leave her house so no one would even know she was pregnant.  She may have given birth in silence - all alone - so no one would question the midwife or hear her cries as she brought a new life into the world.  She then would have kept her son close - always hidden - ready to silence her cries in anyway she could.

Jochebed knew there was something about her son that was worth suffering for - she was his mother.  Just about any mother I know would also have been willing to suffer excruciating pain and isolation for their precious child, sacrificing themselves before they allowed anything to happen to their children.

But the day finally came when this mother realized that, in her own strength and power, she could no longer protect her son.  We know she prepared a basket for Moses and gently placed him in it among the reeds in the Nile River.  I just cannot even begin to imagine.  I don't even like going behind the wall at the dentist's office when my girls are having x-rays taken.

The Bible does not record her prayer - or even that she prayed.  But I am guessing that this is the moment Jochebed finally surrendered fully to God and to His sovereign plan.  She surrendered her son to the Lord and prayed for His divine protection over Moses.  Maybe she even asked that the Lord would allow her to see her son again.

And God was so faithful and sovereign.  Not only was Moses protected and blessed throughout his life, but Jochebed was asked to raise him for the first few years of his life, where I'm sure she treasured every moment with her son, telling him the stories of His God and whispering prayers over him everyday.

Is there something that you are holding on to today?  Are you suffering alone in silence?  What do you need to fully surrender to God?


You can read more about Jochebed's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Numbers 26:59; Exodus 1:22 - 2:10.

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