In the concluding part of our series on “Mother’s day” meditations…we will focus on some serious responsibilities which come calling the way of a Christian mother…
School…
“…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim 3:15)
Oh how incumbent it is upon a Christian mother who has personally tasted God’s redemptive love to teach her children through life and lip from their young age onwards all about the “goodness” of God’s character. This ensures that the tiny ones learn to trust Him to solve their “problems” (may appear minor to us but they are “major” in their sight), so that one day (when the age of accountability arrives), they would eventually realize their “fallen” condition (the biggest problem) and look to the Saviour for deliverance.
Eunice, the mother of Timothy (2 Tim 1:5), doubtless planted in her young son’s heart the “seeds” of the “Messianic” prophecies recorded in the only available Scripture of that era (Genesis to Malachi). Thus, when the Gospel laced with the Messianic prophecies was preached in their native city of Lystra, Timothy’s heart responded positively to it. Likewise, closer to our time…Susanna Wesley’s meticulous grooming of her sons in the matters of Scripture would one day lead not only to the salvation experience of her John (who had previously rushed into the Pastoral Ministry without the born-again experience, failing therein predictably), but would also trigger what is now known in Christian folklore as the “Methodist reformation”!
Supplicate…
“Women received back their dead by resurrection…” (Heb 11:35)
Christian mothers are privileged not only to bring their precious offspring into this World of the physical realm, but are also charged with the responsibility of fervently praying for their salvation in order that their precious children be “born into the Heavenly realm”. That is the spiritual meaning of the above-captioned Scripture verse. Yes, when a child is born, the name of the child is recorded in the hospital and eventually in the concerned Government’s records; but a Christian mother needs to pray without ceasing for her child’s salvation as well, in order for her child’s name is also recorded in the much more important Lamb’s Book of life (Luke 10:20/Rev 20:12). Now should I need to remind the devout mothers that “a man born once, dies twice, but the one born twice dies only once, and if the end times take place during his life-time, he is “exempted” from even that one death”!
Oh how many wonderful accounts we have come across of interceding mothers like Eliza Spurgeon who prayed passionately for the “re-birth” of her son Charles. He was so head-strong in his young age, but after being given a “new life in Christ” (John 3:3/2 Cor 5:17), he was transformed into not only a responsible Christian, but he went on to be heralded as the “Prince of preachers”.
So Dear brethren, let’s cherish our mothers and thank God for them on this side of Eternity, even as we thankfully recollect how sincerely they went about their God-given responsibilities. And in case, they have “gone to a better World”, let’s rejoice in the “Blessed hope” of being reunited with them one day (1 Thess 4:13-18)!
My irreplaceable Mom at the age of 77 was promoted to Eternal Glory on 2-5-2016…I would one day see her once again…(2 Cor 5:8/Philippians 1:20-23)
Prayer: Lord, thanks for comforting and strengthening me in my Mother’s absence. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Suresh Manoharan
An unworthy servant
J and SM Ministries
(To access the entire “A Tribute to Mothers” mini-series, please click here.)