Moses’ Mother: Into the River
Day 3, Week 4 of Beautifully Surrendered, a Love God Greatly Bible Study
Today’s Reading: Exodus 2 (SOAP/Focus: verse 3)
But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.
Exodus 2:3 NLT
Observations:
Background
Chapter 1 tells how the Israelites were multiplying and their numbers posed a threat to the Egyptians and to their ruler, Pharaoh. He saw them as such a threat that he ordered all baby boys to be killed, first by mid-wives and when that didn’t work – he ordered them to be thrown into the Nile. It was during this time that Moses’ mother became pregnant.
We know from our reading, 2:1-10, that Moses was born to descendants of Levi, the priestly tribe. While this may not be crucial to today’s story, it will be an important part of Moses’ life in the years to come and is yet another picture of God’s perfect design and how He is always working behind the scenes of our lives.
Steps of Faith
What is important to today’s story of Moses’ mother are the steps she took to save the life of her son. She hid him for three months, she made a safe boat for him, she placed it carefully in the Nile, in a way that it would be hidden, and yet noticeable to someone who might stop to bathe along the river’s edge. Read the passage carefully and see others that God used in Moses’ rescue story, from the mid-wives who secretly refused to kill the babies as ordered, to his sister Miriam who played look-out once he was in the river and ensured that their mother would be the nurse maid, and of course, Pharaoh’s daughter who was moved with compassion to keep the child. They were all instruments strategically placed and moved by faith, love, or compassion to act on Moses’ behalf.
How Then Should We Live?
Act in faith. Throughout of of Scripture this is the lesson. Paul summarized it very well when he told the Corinthians, “For we walk [live, act, respond …] by faith and not by sight, 1 Corinthians 5:7. When things look hopeless and mandates loom around us that affect the general population, ourselves/jobs, or those we love – we must not lose hope but do what we know is right in God’s eyes and trust Him with the outcome.
From where we are positioned we must stay alert and act timely and wisely as opportunity presents and God leads. We would also be wise to remember that while Pharaoh’s daughter may not have been one of God’s children, He still used her in positioning Moses right where He wanted him. As Paul said in Romans 8:28, and I believe is applicable here – “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” There is much comfort to be found in this truth when we find ourselves in the place of Jochebed, Moses’s mother, having to trust God in such an unthinkable and heart-wrenching situation.
Prayer Response:
Father, even when situations seem hopeless – even when man’s edicts put us or those we love in danger or in situations that go against our faith – help us to act in unwavering faith on what is good and right. Help us to keep our eyes on You – to trust You and give You praise in all things – You have given us Your Spirit for this purpose. All to Your glory-amen
Your Turn:
What’s your take away from Esther’s story?
Reflection Questions:
Moses’ mother was faced with a horrible decision.
- How did her surrender and sacrifice play into her determination to save the life of her son?
- What does that reveal about her faith?
Moses’ mother had extraordinary faith! The love for her son and his safety was displayed in her act of faith in keeping him safe.
Blessed post 🙏🏿. Moses mother displayed faith by trusting the process and not allowing the circumstances around her to stop her from keeping her son safe. She played her role as a mother and God did His part… She didn’t give up. Thank you for sharing 🤗. God bless you.