We can never forget and never repay
Scripture reading: 1 Kings 3:16 28. Text: “He (King Solomon) then gave an order: ‘Cut the living child in two and give half to one (mother) and half to the other (one).’ The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king, ‘Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!’ But the other said, ‘Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!’ Then the king gave his ruling: ‘Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.'” 1 Kings 3:25 27.
Let three episodes, in each a mother plays an important role, bring us closer to the mystery, power and gifts of motherly love.
THESE THREE STORIES ARE SO DIFFERENT YET THEY HAVE ONE THING IN COMMON: A LOVING MOTHER’S CONCERN, CARE AND COURAGE.
1 Kings 3:16 28. At the same time, two women had babies. One of the babies died and now both mothers claim the living child. They presented their argument to King Solomon. He ordered the child to be cut into two and a half given to each mother. The mother who was willing to relinquish her share to save the child’s life was declared to be the real mother.
Exodus 2:1 10. As the Hebrews grew in number in Egypt, the Pharaoh ordered all the Jewish newborn boys be thrown into the Nile River. At first, Moses’ mother Jochebed hid her son. When the child grew too old to hide she put him into a basket and placed it near the bank of the Nile River where the Pharaoh’s daughter usually bathed. The princess found the baby, adopted him, and Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s court.
Luke 2:41 52. When Jesus was 12 years old, he was taken by Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. After the holiday as Mary and Joseph were going home they could not find Jesus. They returned to the city and found the young Jesus in the temple among the scholars. Mary was concerned and upset and Jesus replied to his rebuking mother: “‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?'” Luke 2:49.
MAY WE SEE BOTH SIDES OF A CARING MOTHER’S PRECIOUS HEART.
THE SPIRITUAL SIDE:
The “MYSTERY” which surrounds a caring mother. The general public has no intention to analyze a mother’s affection scientifically because it is known that she did not learn it from books, it is not based on logic or profit and it is not maintained or refined by modern theories. Her love and care radiate from her every action or word, that is from her whole being.
The POWER of a loving mother. Never underestimate what a mother is able to do for the sake of her child or children. Again, this power emanates from her entire existence.
The KINDNESS and tenderness of a mother’s heart. In theology it is called forgiving love. Who can surpass a sweet mother in showing understanding and compassion?
Being ready to DO THE UTMOST for her children’s benefit. In biblical language, it is called sacrificial love. Faith places a mother’s sacrifice in proper context better than any scientific explanation.
THE PRACTICAL SIDE.
A mother is always PROTECTIVE. In each episode mentioned above the mother did her best to protect her child. If mothers were generals there would be no war!
A mother is RESOURCEFUL. Who but a mother could have come up with such a solution as placing a basket with a child in it near the shore of a river to be found? Do you still remember what your mother has done for you?
A mother’s concern is CRUCIAL, that is, lifesaving. A mother is willing to take her child to one more doctor, try one more solution, wait one more week and give her child one more chance. This “ONE MORE” has saved so many lives.
A mother’s love PROGRESSES, yet it remains the SAME. As the children are growing, their needs change, and so does the mother’s care and concern, yet she will always protect, provide and pray for her precious ones.
A mother is the best personification of goodness, kindness and love. Apostle Paul reveals the secret of motherhood, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-2.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.