“And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20 (NKJV)
According to the dictionary, a mother is a selfless, loving human who sacrifices many of her wants and needs for those of her children. A biblical definition lies in the person’s God-defined purpose: to bind or hold the family together, individually and collectively, through her love and actions.
Thus, a mother does not just refer to a woman who has borne a child in her womb. Scripture tells us about some such women; for example, Pharaoh’s daughter who brought up Moses as her own son, both of Jacob’s wives, Leah and Rachel, who gave their maids to Jacob to have sons by him, and Naomi, who mothered the son of Ruth and Boaz (just to name a few).
Since nurturing through acts of love is synonymous with motherhood, we can pay attention to a few Biblical mothers:
Deborah: The only woman judge of Israel. She sat under a palm tree daily, bringing judgement and delivering prophecy on God’s behalf. When God sent directives to Barak to go up against Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, Barak was afraid and purposed not to go up unless Deborah went with him. Deborah did not shy away. Her courage made Barak’s heart strong enough to obey God. (Judges 4:1-24).
Sheerah: The daughter of Ephraim, granddaughter of Jacob and Rachel’s son Joseph, built the cities of Lower and Upper Beth-Horon, and Uzzen Sheerah (1 Chronicles 7:24). In an era where women were often invisible, that is a considerable feat. This mother of Israel created history so that her family could dwell together in unity. Later, King Solomon rebuilt these cities with fortified walls. (2 Chronicles 8:1-5).
Tabitha: A disciple in the New Testament, also known as Dorcas. This mothering soul made coats and garments for the needy, among other deeds of love. When she got ill, the widows sent for the apostle Peter to heal her. When he got there, they were all weeping because she had died. Peter prayed, God heard, and restored her life. God knew that His children needed their mother for a little longer. (Acts 9:36-42).
Today, let’s pray that God gives us the courage to be true mothers according to His purpose.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us mothers and for calling us to be mothers, biological and otherwise. We pray that as we continue to nurture others, You love through us, heal through us, protect through us, and guide through us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Isaiah 49:15; Proverbs 31:26Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 104:19-30; 2 Corinthians 3:7-18; 2 Chronicles 35:20-27; 2 Chronicles 36