Moses And The Ark

We should not wonder at the faith of Jochebed who saw that this child had a place in God’s plan, we should wonder that so many parents fail to grasp the fact that every child has a place in God’s plan. That we have been created for Him!

Parents have a serious responsibility toward those they bring into this life. Think of it! God has given a father and a mother the ability to bring into existence one who has an immortal soul. This act has more far-reaching consequences than any other act a man or woman can accomplish. Mom’s and dad’s your children are your legacy, long after your trophies have faded and your accomplishments are forgotten the soul of your children will live on. Once brought into existence that soul will live somewhere for all of eternity!

Jochebed, by faith that God had a plan and purpose for her child, chose to protect her child from physical death. How much greater are the stakes in 21st Century Canada where our very culture seeks to devour our children. We live in a time when the popular idea is to give children less discipline, to offer less correction. Recent studies have shown that preschoolers watch more TV through the week than any other group. A mother needs to have the faith to believe that God has a purpose for every child.

Susanna Wesley, who raised 17 children stated that the most important job of a mother was to SUBDUE THE SELF WILL OF A CHILD and in doing this she would work together with God to save his soul. How strongly this contrasts with the relaxed disciplinary attitude of our world that frowns on parents who squelch a child’s creativity by saying ‘no’ to it.

II. By Faith Jochebed Surrendered Her Child to God

What were you thinking Jochebed? Did you weep as you wove the little basket? Did you pray as you covered the little ark with pitch? Did the other children pry you with questions? Did you tell them the story of Noah and the ark that God used to save his life? Did your faith waver? Did you feel hollow from hopelessness? Did you feel weak and powerless? Did you dare sing to your baby as you wove the little ark? Did you brush cheek one last time and kiss his little forehead before you closed the lid? Did you go to the river, or was that too much to bear? Did you dare to hope that the God to whom you so desperately clung had some sort of plan? Did you dare to hope your child would see another day? Or was it all you could do just to pray?

Have you been there before? To the edge of hopelessness, the verge of panic, the perimeter of powerlessness?

Have you sat in the hospital emergency room just trying to breathe?

Has your heart broken as your child cries because of some bully at school?

Have you kissed your child good-bye and watched them walk through the kindergarten door, or out the door for high-school, college or a year abroad?

WHO WILL GUARD MY CHILD NOW?

Maybe your turmoil is different. maybe it’s not apprehension at what might happen, but sorrow over what has already occurred.

The police call to say your child is in custody for shoplifting.