“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
It should be noted that even though Moses was raised as an Egyptian, God chose him to lead His people out of Egypt to freedom. It was the faith of his mother, Jochebed that aided him (Moses) in becoming Israel’s great prophet. There are so many lessons we can learn from looking at Jochebed’s life.
- Perfect love casts out fear.
In Hebrews 11:23, we are told that Moses was hidden by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child. Their love for their child far outweighed the fear of the king’s command of death.
- Exercise your faith.
Jochebed’s decision to hide her son for three months despite the consequences showed an intense level of her exercising her faith. Even after she had made a basket to put Moses in, she still displayed the strength of her faith (Exodus 2:3). She had no idea if anyone would intervene to save him. All she knew at the time was she didn’t want her son to be killed. She wholeheartedly put it all into God’s hands.
- Self-Control is a virtue/righteousness.
Can you fathom the level of self-control Jochebed demonstrated when she stood in front of Pharaoh’s daughter and accepted the offer of care and wages for the very son whom Pharaoh wanted to destroy? Would you have been exposed with your excitement? Jochebed raised her own son as another’s woman’s child, and at the appointed time, she handed him over to Pharaoh’s daughter. Self-control and discipline! Jochebed knew if she trusted Jehovah, there was nothing to fear.
Similarly, today, we have nothing to fear when we learn to rely on God. We can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens us, and that includes overcoming our greatest fears. Are you encouraged by Jochebed to boldly face your fears now?
Read: Philippians 4:13; 1 Peter 4:11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 68:15-20; John 18:25-40; 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 25