The Riches OF GRACE
“hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11
Robert W. Reed
May 2003
Mothers
“Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)”
Ephesians 6:2
Motherhood
Motherhood is clearly seen throughout the Holy Scriptures. The memory of mothers is preserved for us in several ways. Two books of the Bible are named after women, Ruth and Esther. There are nearly 200 named mothers in the Bible and probably as many unnamed mothers listed as well. The Bible is filled with admonitions regarding mothers. Throughout the pages of Scripture we see a mother’s faith, love, devotion, comfort and self-sacrificing in women like Mary (mother of Jesus), Sarah, Hannah, Eunice, Noah’s wife and Moses’ mother. The Lord has commanded us to honor these unsung heroes.
“All that I am my mother made me.”
- John Quincy Adams
Mother’s Day is an annual occasion in the United States to honor mothers across our land. On this day many cards will be sent, many phone calls will be made and presents bought. But according to the Scriptures, mothers are to be honored every day of the year.
The Gift of Motherhood
According to Genesis 3:20, Eve, the first mother, was called the mother of all living, “And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” Adam gave her this name describing her function and destiny. Her name reveals clearly her calling and identity. Motherhood cannot be separated from a woman's ministry. Adam may have given her this name in light of verse 15, because through her, sin would be done away with, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” She is the beginning of life and her life is in all of us. In Genesis 1:27, we read that God created them (male and female). From the very beginning the woman's role is clearly defined. It took both the man and the woman to fulfill the command given by God in verse 28, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” Both are equally important in God’s kingdom. In Genesis 5:2, we see the indissoluble union of the man and woman in that they were both called “Adam” (one flesh and one name), “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” Today, many talk of the different gifts of the spirit and are looking for their place in ministry and overlook one of the greatest gifts ever given to mankind. That is, the gift of motherhood; being a giver of life. The high calling of motherhood is seen throughout God’s word. Most of the women in Scripture who were used and blessed of God were used in their God-given role as wife and mother. This important position and ministry of motherhood should not be overlooked. Keep in mind, the very first woman was created with the ability to have children and the first command given in the Bible was to be fruitful and multiply.
The Reward of Motherhood
According to Hebrews 6:10, no deed or good work will go unnoticed, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” A woman’s rewards, in most part, are based on her home, husband and children, for this is her primary ministry. It will not be based upon her career in the corporate world. Neither will her rewards be based on her athletic abilities in sports or her speaking ability in ministry. The Lord rewards her based upon her obedience to His Holy Word. Most women are looking for happiness in the wrong places. A woman who follows the Lord will find peace, fulfillment and satisfaction, Proverbs 31:28-31, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” The following Scriptures will show God’s faithfulness in rewarding His people: I Corinthians 15:57, Revelation 14:13, II Timothy 4:8, and Colossians 3:23-25.
Our Debt to Motherhood
According to Exodus 20:12, the fifth commandment teaches us to honor our father and mother, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” In Ephesians 6:2, it is the only commandment accompanied by an earthly promise. The Apostle Paul endorses the ten commandments and applies them to Christians. The word “honor” means to be given proper place of respect, esteem, to regard in high estimation by word or action. According to Matthew 22:37-40, love is the fulfilling of God’s commandments, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” The first four commandments show our relationship to God and the last six commandments show our relationship to one another. The fifth commandment begins the second section. The home becomes a great test of character. Our parents are the first people we meet. Our relationship with them will determine our relationship with others. God chose our parents, we did not have a vote in the matter. But we are commanded to honor them. There is a curse upon all who disobey this commandment (Proverbs 20:20, 30:11, II Timothy 3:1-4, Leviticus 20:9, Deuteronomy 27:16, Romans 1:30).
The Lord Jesus Christ is our greatest example in the Scriptures in honoring our mother (Luke 2:40-52). According to John 19:26-27, Jesus honored His mother on the cross with His dying breath. Our Savior not only honored His mother, but had great respect for all women. May we learn from Him. Amen.
In 1971, Mother’s Day was celebrated in the
Central African Republic by executing all men
in jail for crimes against their mothers.
- Copied
I Am Woman
I’m a woman not a man
I came second in God’s plan;
To find what role in life I play
I read God’s word everyday.
I find content, that I must be
To let man rule over me;
This does not mean that in this life,
I’m unimportant as a wife.
My husband needs me by his side
To be his “helpmeet”, I take pride;
As a mother, I gladly share
My time, my love, and tender care.
So my tasks are mine to give
They’re never finished while I live.
But God’s plan for womanhood is good;
I wouldn’t change it if I could.
- Lois Patterson
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
Victory Baptist Church
Pastor Robert W. Reed
14473 Bellingrath Road
P.O. Box 257
Coden, Alabama 36523
(251) 873-4422