Parenting is a pleasure, privilege, and responsibility. True enough, it isn't an art nor a science. Instead, it is more of a matter of the heart and conscience.
Since time immemorial, no earthly parent has ever perfected parenthood. It is all because sin has infected the human heart and everything on earth. Nevertheless, we are thankful that every generation has passed down parenting tips on to another.
In this blog, we will tackle seven great parenting tips, especially for mothers. Why mothers? They spend more time with their children from conception until their last breath.
These practical tips are from the life of an ordinary mom in Hebrew 11's Faith Hall of Fame. She had no name in the Hall of Faith. However, her legacy in the life of Moses remains relevant in our time.
Significantly, hers is a faith that knew no defeat. Hence, her life became remarkable in God's eyes. Do you know who she was?
The Story of Jochebed, Moses' Mother
According to Numbers 26:59, Jochebed was her name. Her ancestry traces back to the great Egyptian governor, Joseph, who saved Israel during the Egyptian famine.
As the years went by, the Israelites grew in number. It feared one of the kings succeeding Joseph. Thus, he sought ways to decrease their population. Specifically, he made them slaves under cruel taskmasters.
Unfortunately, the crueler he became, the more the Israelites multiplied. Consequently, the desperate king made a decree to kill every newborn Hebrew child. It involved throwing them into the Nile River.
Just in time, Jochebed gave birth to a son. Such a situation is synonymous with Jesus' birthday. During this time, Satan used kings to plot against the Messiah. Imagine how crucial Mary and Joseph's role was in protecting this child Who would be the Savior of the world!
Fortunately, Jochebed was able to hide her baby for three months. However, she could no longer do it in the house. She thus made a waterproof basket. Then, she put her son in it and prayed for God's saving grace.
After which, she released the basket in the great Nile river. Miriam, her daughter, watched from a distance.
One day, Pharaoh's daughter came to the river for a bath. The basket caught her attention. Upon seeing the crying baby inside, pitiful care stirred her heart enough to follow her maternal instincts.
Consequently, Miriam took the opportunity to approach the royal lady and recommend her a nurse for the baby. Of course, it was Jochebed. Good for her! She had the chance to take care of her son without the Egyptians realizing it.
7 Great Parenting Tips From Jochebed
1. Value your child's life.
Abortion is one of our society's most committed crimes. Amid the Egyptian decree, imagine how tempting it could have been for Jochebed to do such an act.
However, this faithful mother believed that God is greater than Pharaoh. In her heart rings, "He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4, ESV).
Hence, Jochebed made up her mind not to murder her baby in cold blood just because of an oppressive edict. Instead, she saved Moses through a basket. God graciously honored her faith.
2. Protect your child with God's guidance.
In times like this, when there's a global pandemic and violence around us, we do everything to protect our children.
As much as possible, Jochebed tried hiding Moses within the four walls of her house. Unfortunately, the time came when she could no longer do it. She needed to devise a way to protect him from Egyptian cruelty.
In Noah's time, the ark saved himself and his family from the global flood. Likewise, Jochebed saved Moses through the basket – a little ark.
Indeed, we can't protect our children without God. He alone can shield them against the enemy's plots as they venture into life.
3. Never abandon your child.
Committing our children to God doesn't mean we can leave them on their own. God gave us resources to use for prudent measures in protecting them.
For instance, Jochebed had Miriam watch the basket as it floated on the river. Miriam followed through until Pharaoh's daughter saw the baby and asked for someone to care for him.
Claiming the opportunity to take care of her son, Jochebed did everything to raise Moses well with God's guidance.
4. Appreciate and nurture your child.
See the beauty in your child. The moment Jochebed laid her eyes on baby Moses, she resolved to fight for his life. Thrice we read from the Bible that she saw he was a delicate, beautiful child (Exodus 2:2; Acts 7:20; Hebrews 11:23).
Every child is unique and precious. More so, each has his personal needs and gifts. Hence, we are to help our children grow. God gave them in our care to support and nurture.
As such, let us "train up a child in the way he should go." Eventually, "when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6, ESV). Also, let's not forget to teach our children God's Word. Talk about them in whatever we do (Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19).
Significantly, we see in Moses' life the result of this upbringing. He lived in the comfort and luxury of the Egyptian palace. However, he didn't forget the value of compassion for others and faith in God.
5. Don't fear the crocodiles.
Crocodiles lived in the Nile River. Similarly, deceit, superstition, error, and misconduct lurk in every corner of this world. Nevertheless, we are to face reality without fear.
Jochebed believed that God is greater than Pharaoh. According to Hebrews 11:23, by faith, she didn't fear the king's commandment.
Did you know that there are 365 "do not be afraid" statements in the Bible? With this, why worry? Besides, you have God to protect your child.
6. Be a woman of your word.
If you were Jochebed and the time has come for you to bring Moses to the palace, would you freely give him? How would you endure heartbreak and separation anxiety?
Jochebed had to accept that another woman would take care of her son. Nevertheless, she let go and let God lead. Eventually, she brought him to the Pharaoh's daughter when he grew up (Exodus 2:10).
True enough, Jochebed didn't complain. She did not bargain with God. For sure, she never saw the bigger picture. Yet, she stayed firm, fearless, and faithful to her word.
Unfortunately, most parents today struggle with this matter. Nevertheless, God wants us to have integrity, being women of our word. The saying goes, "say what you mean; mean what you say."
7. Acknowledge that your child is God's, not yours.
Our offspring are God's ownership, not ours. Hence, He expects us to do our part as His trusted stewards.
Thus, we are to mold and bless our children. With our cooperation, God blesses and polishes us to become effective parents.
Moreover, in dedicating our children to God, let's work with the heavenly hosts. Matthew 19:14 says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children.
What is the Bottom Line?
Parenting has ups and downs. Our faith gets tested and shaken. However, like Jochebed, let us look unto Jesus, the "Founder and Perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). Indeed, this faithful mother's parenting helped Moses become one of the Bible's best leaders.
So, dare to be like Jochebed!
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Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.