Happy Mother's Day
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A Mother’s Love
A Mother’s Love
What is a woman? Of course this should not have to be said! But we will say it anyway!
A Woman is a person that is capable of bearing children! Her body is designed to bear children, raise and nurture children!
Eerdmans Bible Dictionary MOTHER
MOTHER (Heb. ˒ēm; Gk. mḗtēr).* Since the leading roles in Israelite families were generally taken by men, the primary function of women was to bear and raise children. Accordingly, childbearing was an occasion for great joy!
Psalm 113:9 “He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!”
Scripture tells us that a childless woman often had a difficult life as recounted in 1 Samuel.
1 Samuel 1:4–11 “On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your…”
Eerdmans Bible Dictionary MOTHER
While the Bible does not use “mother” for God as it does “father,” it does use maternal imagery in speaking of God, although with reserve (e.g.,
Scripture reminds us that Motherhood and Fatherhood is an honorable thing, and the faithful ones are to be held up in honor!
To honor Faithful Fathers and Faithful Mothers!
To honor Faithful Mothers we will look at Proverbs 31 “The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.…”
When preaching on Mother’s Day the Proverbs 31 woman is often talked about. But seldom understood!
I would like to encourage families to honor their Mother this Mother’s Day!
Why misunderstood? Often the approach of the would be reader is to do a quick read.
Then a discarded negative statement: “I guess I am not the Proverbs 31 woman.
The messages although well intended gave the wrong impression! I would like to take a fresh look at this beloved text in the O.T.
What are the lessons we learn from this chapter in Proverbs?
The point: We learn we are to honor our wise mothers!
Not just about remembering them; it’s about living out their teachings in our daily decisions, ultimately reflecting Christ's character in our lives.
Proverbs 31:2 “What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?”
Teaches us that this woman addresses her son in a loving way! “O son of my womb, O son of my vows” You were an answer to my prayers!
I. Our Faithful mothers give wise counsel to us on being a Godly Leader, we must listen!
A. This mother teaches her son to use your authority for good, not for immorality!
Or possibly keep yourself away from using your power for selfish pleasure!
Use your power to serve the people!
Proverbs 31:3 “Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.”
B. The wise mother teaches that to be a good leader one must be clear minded at all times!
AKA Don’t give in to the temptation of alcohol!
Proverbs 31:4–7 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
Those beverages are given to the sick, the dying, or those that desire to be in poverty!
You will bring your family to eventual ruin.
C. The wise mother teaches to use your power to help the powerless!
Proverbs 31:8–9 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This next section reflects a well crafted poem! This poem is not the description of the wife of a king and does not seem to address Lemuel.
The ancient wisdom text often would combine material in a way that seems out of harmony with what was said before.
Maybe these ideas are similar but not seemingly the same!
This poem has evidence of both acrostics and chiastic structures. Those that enjoy English literature I also hope you love the ancient way of looking at this text.
It seems to not completely be disconnected ideas! The first section was addressed to the son looking to lead!
Now he must find that suitable partner to help him!
II. Look for an exemplary wife for she will be a remarkable mother!
I believe the mother that was giving wise counsel to her son is still teaching at this point.
Son, look for an exemplary wife!
Why? Because you will learn to trust her wisdom, help, and faithfulness!
Proverbs 31:10 “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
The word excellent in Hebrew is hayil- which means a force of nature!
Or
2428. חַיִל chayil, khah´-yil; from 2342; prob. a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:—able, activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, (+) valiant (-ly), valour, virtuous
(-ly), war, worthy (-ily).
I would like to close with the thoughtful summing up of Proverbs 31:10-31
An excellent wife who can find? Mothers you are that excellent wife!
Why? Because you are worth far more than any precious jewels.
Because you have learned how encourage Daddy’s heart,
Because the families interests are always first.
Because you have always helped Daddy!
You have made your vows and promised to be their for him “all the days of your life.”
You work “with willing hands.”
People trust you! Because you work hard into the night to provide food!
Your smart like Daddy, but sometimes smarter!
You care for the poor like a King should!
You provide and prepare our house for winter!
You help Daddy in all His business ventures and even have a few of your own!
You are known by your inner strength and dignity!
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
What can you do to honor your mother this Mother's Day?
What are the key qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman that we are encouraged to emulate?
In ancient times, King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, often sought for counsel. What many may not know is that beneath this wisdom was the unwavering support and guidance of his mother, Bathsheba. When it came to recognizing right from wrong, Bathsheba played an instrumental role, teaching him about the value of integrity and compassion. Just as Solomon benefited from his mother’s counsel, today we can honor the wise mothers who guide us through life’s challenges, shaping our character and decisions with their love and insight.
In the heartwarming story of the prodigal son, we can almost hear the mother’s silent prayers as her wayward child strayed far from home. Many times, a mother’s love and unwavering faith provide the foundation for our return. Today, let’s honor those mothers whose wisdom and fierce love create a safe space for us to find our way back, reminding us that no matter how far we go, their counsel and prayers are always waiting to welcome us home.
