Portrait of Godly Motherhood
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
First let me to extend a Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. I thank God for this opportunity to express my love, admiration, and encouragement to all mothers—especially godly mothers. I distinguish godly mothers out because they have an additional responsibility of nourishing their children in the knowledge and fear of God. Some might think it unfair or unkind to make such a distinction for godly mothers, but I reject that criticism nor do I apologize for the distinction. After all, quite frequently I hear distinctions being made all the time about different kinds of moms, and nobody's apologetic for it.
Reference is made to soccer moms, football moms, baseball moms, basketball moms, volleyball moms, gymnastic moms, ice skating moms, beauty contests moms, and the list goes on. Understand, I do not condemn any of these activities, because I realize that a godly mother is often doing many of the other activities as well. She just ensures that in addition to all of the other activities, her children also make it to God's House for worship, godly instruction, spiritual nourishment, and Christian fellowship. So, on Mother’s Day, I believe it is fitting to highlight a Portrait of Godly Motherhood. Is that alright?
According to Titus 2:4-5, a godly mother is commanded to be “keepers at home, to love her husband and children, and be subject unto her own husband.”
“That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, (5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Someone may be saying to themselves, “Well, that was way back then, but this is now, and things aren't like that today.” To that I would respond, “Well, that just goes to show you how far we have drifted away from what the Word of God teaches.” We all are witnesses to societal may change and shifting attitudes. For example, now that same-sex marriage is the law of the land, motherhood in general and godly motherhood in particular, has become significantly more challenging. No longer can parents rely on the secular school system, to teach or reinforce the biblical model of sexuality and marriage. However, the Immutable and Incarnate Word of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, never changes! Hebrews 13:8, says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Amen somebody. So, for a few moments, I want to talk about Portrait of Godly Motherhood—The Courage, the Challenge, and the Commitment.
Because of the Fall, judgement was passed upon motherhood. In Genesis 3:16, the LORD God said to Eve, “…I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children…” This text basically means that there will be great pain in childbearing and childrearing. And since then, motherhood continues to be filled with many emotional peaks and valleys, and the Bible is replete with several examples. In fact, we can start with the first mother—Eve. In Genesis 4, we witness the peak of joy and thanksgiving when Eve gives birth to Cain, her firstborn. She then gives birth to Abel. Although we do not have an indication of how much time had passed, we witness the first homicide when Cain kills his brother Abel. Admittedly, it is not mentioned in Scripture, but can you imagine the valley of pain and sorrow Eve must have experienced? Losing a child is painful enough, but to lose your child at the hands of your other child has to be extremely sorrowful. That said, one of the most striking examples is Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Courage shown after the Annunciation (Luke 1:30-33)
“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. (31) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (33)And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Once the announcement of motherhood is made, a godly mother shows courage to bring her child into the world. Courage is determination while facing uncertainty and fears. Where there is no fear, there is no need for courage. Amen somebody. In motherhood, there is great anticipation, excitement, and labor ahead. Nevertheless, she is willing to see it through. If you can hear my voice right now, you ought to give thanks to God and your mother for having the courage being willing to bring you into this world. There are millions of babies who never get the chance to be born, but God let us be born. Thank you, Lord, and thank you mother!
The Challenge (Matthew 1:18-25)
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (20)But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (21)And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23)Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24)Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
In 1st Century Jewish culture, being “espoused” to someone was tantamount be being married, and unfaithfulness during this engagement period was considered adultery.
Deuteronomy 22:20-21 – “But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: (21) Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.”
So, Mary had a real challenge on her hands. Furthermore, indications are that Joseph did not initially accept the explanation that Mary’s pregnancy owed itself to the Holy Ghost. Nevertheless, she was still willing to accept the challenge and trust God to do the impossible with Joseph. For the angel had already told her that “with God nothing shall be impossible.” Mary responded, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
Side Note:
Ladies, I may not know your circumstances or the challenges you face. But one thing I know, that with God nothing shall be impossible. If God has brought you to it, He will bring you through it. As the Apostle writes in I Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” In other words, you are not the first person to go through it and you likely will not be the last. Therefore, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The Commitment(John 19:26-27)
“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! (27) Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”
It was mandatory in Jesus' time for a Jewish mother to not only circumcise her male child on the eighth day after birth, but also, after the time of her purification, offer a burnt offering and a sin offering unto the lord. In Christianity today, we acknowledge God's gift of life by dedicating the child back unto the Lord and pray God's blessings upon the child, the parents, and godparents. But on this day, something unusual occurred, an old saint named Simeon gave acclamation to the Christ child, and prophesied the destiny of the child, as well as the impact on Mary His mother. Mother's may hear many things concerning their child, and they forget none of them. If he or she has strong lungs, people say that they are going to sing, big hands or feet, long arms, or legs; they're going to be some kind of athlete.
Mary was there throughout Jesus' ministry all the way to the bitter end—she was committed. She was there for Jesus’s first miracle at a wedding feast where He turned water into wine. (John 2) Mary was there at other times and places, as recorded in Matthew 12:46. But finally, we see Mary’s commitment at the cross. Although her heart was being pierced by the ridiculing crowd, and the cruel reality of a crucifixion, she never gave up hope. Godly mothers, never give up hope—just commit your children into “God’s Unchanging Hands.”
Conclusion
It takes courage to be a mother—especially a godly mother. Godly motherhood is also challenging and requires faithful commitment. It has been said that the days are long, but the years are short. And commitment, which is faith in action. So don't give up, and don't give in. I am sure the road is rough, the going gets tough, and the hills may be hard to climb. A sword may also pierce your heart as it did Mary's, and you may have to accept some ugly truth and undesirable circumstances. But a godly mother has hope beyond the grave. It is a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Mary lived in anticipation of her son and Savior's promise. As Jesus demonstrated care and concern for Mary's physical well-being, she believed that He would keep His promise to send another Comforter to take care of her spiritual needs. Her anticipation of Jesus keeping His promise was not in vain. We read in Acts 1:14, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
Mary saw her Son Jesus die on the cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, stay there three days, and three nights. But early, Sunday morning, while the dew was still on the rose, He arose from the dead... Mary saw Him, His disciples, and over 500 brethren at one time were witnesses to His resurrection.
Then, 40-days after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus led His flock out to the Mount of Olives, was caught-up in a cloud and ascended to the right-hand of the Father and is now making intercession for the Saints. Jesus said, He's coming back again...! Life is a struggle from the womb to the tomb, from the cradle to the grave.
So, mothers, if you haven’t already, then get ready to shed some tears. Nevertheless, be not dismayed, whatever betides you—God will take care of you. I heard the psalmist write, “...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning...”
Any weary mothers out there? Do you feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders or you don't have any help, and it seems like nobody really cares? I've got good news, Mary’s baby, whose name is Jesus said, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Ole’ Time Religion…
• Sing me a song, like mother used to sing, to me a long time ago. She used to sing Amazing Grace, and this one thing I know.
• It was good enough for mother, good enough for father, good enough for sister, good enough for brother.
• When they were burdened, didn't know what to do, they called on God to see them through. If the Old Time Give was good enough for mother, it's good enough for me.
• Oh, it'll keep you, if you keep you mind stayed on Jesus. Oh, it'll keep, oh it will keep you; I'll tell you why, because it kept so many more: It kept Daniel, Paul, Silas, the three Hebrew children, kept Matthew, Luke, and John, kept all the prophets one, by one, and if you're burdened down with care, you look to Jesus, He'll be right there.
• Won’t it keep you?
If the old time religion was good enough for mother, it’s good enough for me.
To God be the glory and bless that wonderful name of Jesus. There is no other name I know. May the Lord richly bless you, my beloved.