This last couple of days, my Mountain Top Devotional has taken me on a journey through the life of Jochebed – Exodus 2:1. I wonder how many of you know who she is? Well as many of you who do not know, she was the mother of Moses the man God raised to deliver Israel from bondage. As I studied Exodus 2:1- 9, I see salient things that we may often miss out on. The first thing I see is the fact that she married a Levite, a man of the same tribe as herself- Amram. This is a lifelong tradition that had been passed down from our papa Abraham who must have learned from God in my Opinion. In Genesis 24, Abraham directs his servant to find a wife for Isaac from among his people, as outlined in Genesis 24:4. This illustrates the longstanding tradition of seeking companionship within one’s kindred. Even from way back to the first man created by God, we see God make a woman of Adam’s kind for his companionship. This paragraph by no means promotes tribalism or racism of any kind; I strongly believe that every one of us ( born of the Spirit of God has become one in Christ. We are now related and united by the blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we all can marry from this one kingdom in Jesus Christ as led by the Lord.
With all of this said, I see a woman who had foresight, who perhaps understood that marriage was bigger than her emotions but also involved and entailed the plans and purpose of God through that marriage. I see a woman who perhaps allowed the Lord to choose her husband for her and allowed the Lord to oversee her family and do as He pleases through her. I mean, I think it is such a huge flex that from her womb, mighty men and a prophetess were born – Aaron, Mariam, and Moses. Do you know what it means to raise three children who went ahead to do valiantly for the Lord! It is such a huge flex and blessing in my opinion.
Exodus chapter 2 tells us that Jochebed conceived and had a son; she had this son when a satanic decree was in place to kill all male children born to the Israelites. I have written in a previous blog post how the devil has clues but never has the full picture of God’s plans. All he can do is try and try to frustrate God’s plans but he would always fail! I perceive that the devil knew that the deliverer would be born in that season. Therefore out of panic – he went for all the male children born in that season through the decree by Pharoah. Glory to God for Jochebed who was able to perceive the hand of God upon Moses when he was born. I am learning that this is what motherhood entails; knowing and downloading details about the children God commits into your hands. For every child God blesses a parent with, He makes the parents their steward. The parents, the mother in this case are responsible for doing everything to ensure that the child fulfills their destiny. Jochebed recognized her duty to preserve her son’s destiny and against all odds, she hid her son for three months. I celebrate mothers whose instinct and sensitivity about the Spirit are heightened for their children’s sake.
By the time it got even more challenging to hide this beautiful son of hers, she took him and put him in the river protected by an ark of bulrushes – Exodus 2:3. I strongly believe that the ark is symbolic as well and most have been as directed by God; whether consciously or sub-consciously – we do not know. I celebrate all mothers who like Jochebed protect their children at all cost; I celebrate all Godly mothers who hide their children in the strong tower of the Lord.
The story continues with Mariam, Moses’ elder sister standing far off to see the plight of her baby brother. This was a bold move in my opinion from a young girl at that time. She didn’t just stand afar off to just watch but she took action immediately as soon as she saw the opportunity. As soon as the princess picked up Moses, Mariam offered to get a Hebrew woman to come take care of the boy. what wisdom! An apple doesn’t fall too far off from the tree it fell off from- chances are Jochebed had taught and instilled into Mariam’s life all that she knew at that age. I celebrate all mothers raising Godly and wise children, God bless you abundantly
That is how Jochebed cared for her precious baby boy and even received wages from the princess for her care. Thank God for the boldness, sacrifice, and wisdom of Jochebed and Mariam we can read about the incredible things God did through the life of Moses. The beautiful thing is we still have women and mothers like Jochebed, swimming against all odds to raise Godly children; I celebrate you all! The Lord sees you, cares for you, strengthens and keeps you in Jesus’ name.
I would love to remind and encourage you as regards the importance of your role in the grand scheme of God’s plan for the earth. Please my dear mothers and sisters aspiring to be mothers – do not forget this. The Lord and the whole world are counting on you to raise the lights of the world, to raise men and women who love the Lord and live for Him. Imagine if the whole world had the fear of the Lord, how beautiful it would have been to live in! It may sound like a daunting task but I trust that the Lord who made you mothers, who will make you mothers can see you through motherhood in Jesus’ name.
I pray that all through your journey, you can draw strength, wisdom, and insight from the Lord always to raise your children in Jesus’ name. I pray that at the end of it all, your children seat round about your table and call you blessed in Jesus’ name. May you live long to eat the fruits of your labor over your children in Jesus’ name.
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