Mom. Mommy. Momma. It’s an incredible blessing to be a Mom. Unlike some titles, once you’re a mom you’re always a mom. It’s not a position that stops, you don’t retire from being a mother. No matter if you have babies in heaven or on earth, being a Mom lasts forever in your heart. Some of you are brand new at mothering with the tiniest of little ones dependent on you for everything. Others have toddlers with sticky faces and hands that demand attention almost constantly.
You go through cycles with your children as they grow. First they need you for everything, then they want you for everything, then suddenly it seems they don’t need or want you for anything (except maybe clean clothes and food). For a while, the need for mom may get pushed away, life gets busy, independence is developed. But, you’re always there anyways, because you’re Mom. Today is the day we celebrate moms! What does the Bible say about moms? Perhaps, the most well-known mother is Mary.
Mary is the mother of Jesus. We can learn from what God’s word says about her. God gave Mary special honor and blessing (Luke 1:28). Through the angel Gabriel, she was also given news that was difficult to understand (Luke 1:31-34). Read her response below.
Lu 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Mary called herself a Bondslave of God and trusted in His plan. She chose to place herself in servanthood to God. And she praised God even through what must have been a million questions running around in her head.
Lu 1:46-47 And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
She was full of praise for God and recognized Him as her Savior. She is an example not only of servanthood and trust but also one of humility (Luke 1:48). Throughout her journey of trust, she glorifies God’s name. In Luke 1:49-55, Mary exalts God as she visits with her cousin Elizabeth and is quick to speak of His goodness, specifically His blessings, His holiness, and His mercy towards those who fear Him, and His power, and judgment. In verse 53, Mary speaks the truth that satisfaction is found in God, He fills hearts with His goodness. And He will fulfill His promises made generations before.
As a mother, Mary was asked to do incredibly difficult things: Like carry a child she conceived before marriage (though she had not known intimacy with man) which in that time was punishable by death; make a long, arduous journey at the end of her pregnancy, flee from dangers with a newborn, and protect the child whom King Herod wanted murdered.
We do see a sweet moment of tender mothering in Luke 2:19: But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Mary understood what it was like to realize your child had wandered off. It even seems she experienced a bit of panic when she questioned her Son and relayed that she and Joseph had been looking for him. (Luke 2:48). Mary also witnessed the execution of her Son. We can only imagine the pain that must have pierced her heart as Jesus was pierced with a sword.
While it is clear we are not to worship anyone or anything besides God in heaven (2 Kings 17:16; Deuteronomy 4:19, Exodus 20:4; Leviticus 26:1), we can strive to follow the characteristics of those God has chosen for Himself to do His will.
So what does it mean to be called Mom? Just looking at this one example, we learn we can submit to God in all things and choose to serve Him with our lives. We develop hearts of humility as we quickly realize we don’t know much! We can trust in God’s plan for ourselves and our children. We can cherish the blessings of parenting. We can have confidence that God is working in our children’s lives, no matter how young or old. And we can praise God for giving us the wonderful opportunity of being a Mom.
I’d like to propose a different way to think about Mother’s Day. Certainly it is good to show your Mom you treasure her by a phone call or card or some small sentiment. But let’s give praise to God that He, in His goodness to us, has chosen us to be part of the process of giving life. God has entrusted parents with the stewardship of His children. Sometimes it can be really difficult, tears are often shed, and hearts can be broken. Parenting can result in the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in emotions. But the moments of a tender smile or hug, and the lessons we learn through raising children are priceless.
Happy Mother’s Day! … and thank you Lord for the special blessing you have bestowed on Moms! All praise and honor and glory to God.
