Neil McIver - Faith and Creative Obedience of Mothers

Neil McIver, reflecting upon the creativity of mothers with regard to their responsibilities to their children, suggests that a mother’s responsibility is among the most stressful to be found anywhere. A job description for the role of mother would be daunting, if not impossible, to compose. Jochabed, the mother of Moses, provides a good role model for motherhood, having very modest financial resources, but nevertheless provided for her family and brought them up in the fear of the Lord, demonstrating faith, courage, and creativity, planning for the safety of her child. Jochabed had the opportunity to school her child during the formative pre-school years. Likewise, modern mothers must exercise faith and creativity to ensure the educational and emotional needs of their children. The rewards of rearing a child, in terms of fond memories, far exceed the expenses we have invested. Jochabed, during the first five years, laid the foundation for the ability of Moses to lead. When a godly mother exists, it is possible to overcome the influence of a negative environment. Mothers who feel the stresses of life need to be encouraged; the task is worth it. Motherhood may be considered the highest calling in the world.

Adversaries * Career wife * Cost of raising a child * Exodus 1:8-22; 2:1-10 * Faith, courage, and creative * Father-figure * Glimpses of God * Hebrews 11:23-29 * High expectation * Intelligent * Jochabed * Keeper at home * Killing of Hebrew firstborn * Midwives * Miriam * $160,000 to rear children * Pathway to blessings * Pharaoh’s daughter * Pockets of poverty * Pre-school years * Priority to husband, children, and home * Responsibility of mother * Skillful at entertaining * Titus 2:1-5 * Velcro hugs * Well-read