While we celebrate famous inventors like those behind electricity, telephones, cars, light bulbs, and airplanes, we are in awe of their inventions. Their names are etched into the Hall of Fame for the impact of their contributions. But the Bible introduces us to a seemingly ordinary woman, Jochebed, who invented a remarkable waterproof, crocodile-proof product.
Exodus 2:3: But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.
Extraordinary steps in excruciating times.
In the years following Joseph’s death, Israel resided in Egypt under Pharaoh’s rule. Pharaoh issued a decree ordering the killing of all male Hebrew infants under the age of two to curb the growth of the Israelite population. In this oppressive environment, Amram and Jochebed, a devout couple, anticipated the birth of their third child. When Pharaoh’s command to the midwives to kill Hebrew boys was disobeyed, he mandated that all Hebrew male infants be thrown into the River Nile.
By faith, not fate
Hebrews 11:23- By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
Moses’ parents noticed that their child was special and believed in God’s purpose for him. They chose to hide him for three months, taking a courageous stand for their faith in God. They did not rely on fate or check the daily horoscope to ensure the safety of their baby.
Preparing for a Miracle
Moses’ mother Jochebed did not have a smartphone to search for a solution for their crisis. But she had one thing: the word of God hidden in her heart.
There are few important lessons we can learn from Jochebed:
- Remember past miracles: The Hebrew word for the basket she made is tēḇâ (tay-baw) which means “ark”. The only other place this word is used is in reference to Noah’s ark. She believed that just as God had a plan for Noah’s life and rescued him from the flood, He could also save her family from Pharaoh’s oppression. In this corrupt time, as lawlessness threatens our children, let’s reflect on God’s past deeds and find hope.
- Remember to prepare: Jochebed coated the basket with tar and pitch, showing her faith combined with practical preparation for the miracle. Despite limited resources, she did her best! The tar and pitch symbolize reliance on the Word of God and prayer. In a world full of dangers, like crocodiles waiting to devour us, let’s remember to carefully prepare our own baskets.
- Remember to rest: After taking every possible step, she placed her baby in a basket and entrusted him to God, and waited for the miracle. Jochebed didn’t anxiously pursue the basket using the latest GPS trackers. Rather she used the other GPS (God’s Protection System) that has sustained her all through her life. She even posted Miriam to be ready to approach Pharaoh’s daughter at the right time.
Extraordinary reward for extraordinary faith
In his divine plan, God orchestrated a reward for Jochebed that no one had ever seen before or even after this incident. Jochebed became the only mother in whole world, who was paid from the king’s palace, to nurse her own child! What a beautiful Mother’s Day gift for this godly mother!
Rewards multiplied
Not only did Jochebed get paid to take care of her child, she also got the opportunity to instill godly values in him as a little child. This paid off in a greater measure when Moses became older.
Hebrews 11:24-25 says “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22 that if we train up a child in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.
Life Application
Jochebed’s life is a powerful example of trusting God through trials. Despite the heart-wrenching act of placing her precious three-month-old baby in a basket in River Nile, she surrendered her fears to God, knowing He would take care of what she couldn’t handle. Her story demonstrates how God rewards those who wholeheartedly commit to Him. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of this world and are tempted to give up, take courage from Jochebed’s faith. Remember, God is always in control of our lives. So take heart in His unending love and protection—you are never alone.
Spanish version: https://dewdropsofmanna.com/spanish-pages-list/el-momento-milagroso-de-mama/
Hindi version: bit.ly/44Db2Bh
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