Mothers Who Made A Difference

By Joe Chesser

    The importance of godly mothers can never be overstated. Mothers are precious and invaluable. The service they give to the Lord by raising God-fearing children is well documented in scripture. In this article I want to point out a few who truly made a difference in this world simply by being faithful to their calling as mothers. Their example has affected generation after generation.
    The story of Jochebed in Exodus 2 is the story of a protective mother. Despite the decree of Pharaoh,  the king of Egypt, that all Hebrew boys be killed at birth, Jochebed protected her son by hiding him for a while, and then setting him afloat in a papyrus basket on the Nile. By God’s providence Pharaoh’s daughter found him and arranged for Jochebed, his mother, to become his nurse. This world is not the same today because of the protection and training Jochebed gave to her son Moses. Whether or not your son becomes a Moses is not important. What is important is the example of a mother doing what she could to protect her son so that God can use him when and how He chooses.
    In 2 Timothy 1:5 is found a single statement that speaks volumes. It tells us that the great faith that was in Timothy was first in his grandmother Lois and then in his mother Eunice. Each of these mothers believed deeply in God and passed that belief on to their children. It further states (3:15) that from infancy Timothy had been taught the scriptures. These godly mothers not only taught their children the word of God, they demonstrated it through their sincere faith. Though they could not be preachers themselves, they helped train one that impacted the world.
    Death by crucifixion was the punishment for condemned criminals to not only make them suffer physically, but to humiliate them as well. While most people mocked and jeered at those crucified, near the foot of Jesus’ cross was a handful of women who were loyal to Him. This small support group included Jesus’ mother and an aunt (John 19:25). It is commendable for mothers to be supportive of their children, even when circumstances are embarrassing or extreme. Moms don’t give up on their children.  Jesus rewarded the loyalty of his mother by asking John to take her into His care (19:27).
    On this Mother’s Day, it is appropriate to show special appreciation for our mothers, especially for those of us whose mothers are godly and faithful, mothers who are making a difference in this world one child as a time. May we be reminded on this very special day to follow God’s command to honor our mothers!

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO.  He may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com