“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)
Separate from the responsibility of providing for children’s physical needs, parents have a sense of who their children are and what gifts they possess, even from birth. This understanding or sense of discernment leads them to keenly observe the gifts of that child and provide a supportive environment to nurture and facilitate their growth.
Moses was born at a time when the very existence of the male children of Israel was under threat. They were slaves in Egypt and forced to work extremely hard. But God was with them, and their numbers multiplied so much that the Egyptians feared the Israelites would outnumber them. The Pharaoh decided to reduce their numbers by killing all the male Israelite children at birth. But Moses’ mother saw that there was something special about her child. She devised a plan to save his life. The plan was risky, but God was with her, and Moses grew to become the leader prepared and used by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. (Exodus 2 & 3).
Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and was despised by his older brothers because he often dreamed and would share his dreams with them. Even his father was disturbed and kept wondering about the meaning of those dreams that put him (Joseph) in a place of honour among his siblings (and parents). The brothers hated him enough to want to kill him, but instead, they sold him into slavery. Joseph would later become a ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh, and would save those same brothers and their families from famine.
John the Baptist was an only child, born to aged parents who had long given up hope of having children. God revealed to Zechariah that he would have a son, but Zechariah doubted in his heart and was struck dumb until John was born. This son baptised Jesus at the Jordan River.
Friends, children are a heritage and a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They sometimes come to us, not gift-wrapped, but in the middle of difficult circumstances that we almost wish them away. But as God was with Moses’ mother and preserved his life, as he was with Joseph and kept him from evil, and with Elizabeth, John’s mother, who rejoiced in her old age, He will be with every parent who trusts Him with their children and gives them back to His service.
Prayer
Lord, who is like unto Thee. Your understanding is infinite. You see and know all things, and You do all things well. Thank You for Your faithfulness. We rest in Your promises, confident that all things will work together for our good. Have Your way in our lives we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Genesis 37:9; Luke 1:24-25
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 20:15-24; 1 Corinthians 14:1-19; 2 Chronicles 10; 2 Chronicles 11; 2 Chronicles 12