A mother’s Submission

by Rowena George

Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 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. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him...

10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”

Exodus 2: 1- 4,10

Jochebed is living in Egypt with her husband and children. They have been forced into captivity and slavery as members of a displaced people group known as the Israelites or Hebrews.

Pharaoh is threatened by the growing numbers of strong and fruitful Israelite families and he fears they will overthrow him with enemy forces.

He orders the Hebrew midwives to kill any boy infants who are born into these families but they defy him because as believers they know God would not allow this. Pharaoh then commands his own people to kill all male Israelite babies.

Jochebed is able to hide her son and keep him safe for three months but then her circumstances become desperate.

Her baby son is in grave danger and she must protect his life - but how? This is a miracle moment.

The outcome depends upon Jochebed’s trust and faithfulness in God’s power.

I’m certain this was a gentle, prayerful and detailed plan that Jochebed put into practice with God’s help and wisdom. It required a mother’s full submission to God - both in prayer and action.

Amazingly, her son Moses survives and grows up at Pharaoh’s palace as a member of his own family. As an adult he also submits to God and leads the Israelites out of slavery and suffering. What a turn around!

This story reminds us of Mary at the Cross of Jesus. Such a dark moment of distress for a mother - but Jesus defeats death and is raised to life!

Lord Jesus,

we remember today how many generations of people have trusted you with their lives. Help us to know that you meet us on our most peaceful days and you are here with us in times of great challenge and despair.

Lord, we turn to you.

Amen