God Honors Mothers

Scriptural Text: Isaiah 66:13, and compare Gal. 4:21-28

The Mother: help high regards; and honored by God; figurative throughout Scriptures(ie, Ezek. 19:1-14)

MOTHER — the female parent of a household. In the Hebrew family, the mother occupied a higher position than that enjoyed by women in many other nations. The mother’s duties were primarily domestic, but she was held in high regard by her family and Hebrew society.

The concept of mother was sometimes used in other, more figurative ways. Nations were sometimes thought of as mothers. The prophet Ezekiel used mother as a metaphor for Israel. After being nurtured and cared for by their “mother,” the “princes of Israel” brought shame upon her by their idolatrous practices (Ezek. 19:1–14).

For some, Mother’s Day is a day of great celebration, for others, it is a painful day of regret and loss. Nevertheless, for all, it is a day worthy of reflection and resolve. It is a day that reminds us to show appreciation to those who don’t always feel appreciated for what they do.[1] True mothers are always giving.

[1] (Wilson, J. L. (2009). Fresh Sermons. Fresno, CA: Willow City Press.)

Others things Mothers may want(Respect,Affection, learned, be wise, Grateful, Godly)[Lev. 19:3, 1 Kings 19:20, Prov. 1:8, 10:1, 30:11, 23:24-25)

They want their children to show RESPECT.

A Chinese proverb says, “Respect for ones parents is the highest duty of civil life.” Leviticus 19:3 says, “Each of you must show respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest, for I, the Lord, am your God.” (NLT)

Your mother wants your AFFECTION too.

One of my favorite examples of affection in the Bible is in 1 Kings 19:20. Elisha was happy to go, but first he wanted to kiss his parents goodbye. He wasn’t in such a hurry to get on with the rest of his life that he couldn’t show his mother some affection.

Your mother also wants to know that you LEARNED the things she tried to teach you. Proverbs 1:8 says, “Listen, my child, to what your father teaches you. Don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.” (NLT)

Your mother wants you to be WISE. Proverbs 10:1 says, “A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.”

(NLT)Your mother wants you to show GRATITUDE. Proverbs 30:11 “Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother.” (NLT)

Finally, your mother wants you to be GODLY. Proverbs 23:24–25 says, “The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children. So give your parents joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.” (NLT)

Mothers use as symbol in Scriptures(Isaiah 66:13

Isaiah 66:13“As a mother comforts her son, so I will comfort you, and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.” (HCSB)

This verse is undoubtedly the greatest compliment Mothers could receive. When God wanted to use a metaphor to explain the compassion He has for His people, He compared Himself to Mothers.

We meet virtuous women and scandalous ones. Yet, given those extremes, God chose motherhood as a metaphor for His love and care for His people.

Motherhood is used in Scripture to illustrate the relationship between God and his people, to describe certain aspects of Israel and also to explain the difference between the two covenants.

God’s tender care for his children is like a mother’s

God’s care like that of a mother bird Dt 32:11; Mt 23:37 pp Lk 13:34

God never forgets his children Isa 49:15

Becoming a Christian is like birth Jn 3:5-6

The believer trusts God as a weaned child trusts his or her mother See also Ps 131:1-2; Isa 66:13

Israel pictured as a mother Eze 16:44-45 See also Isa 50:1; 54:1; 66:7-13; Eze 16:3; 19:2,10; Hos 2:2-13

Mothers as symbols of the old and new covenants Gal 4:21-28

Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

Mothers must be honored(Leviticus 19:3, Prov. 1:8, 1 Tim. 5:8)

Leviticus 19:3“Every one of you shall reverence his mother and his father, and you shall keep My sabbaths; I am the Lord your God.” (NASB)

Proverbs 1:8 says, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;” (NASB)

Good mothers are worthy of honor for providing for their children.

1 Tim. 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” (NASB)