“Then she put the child into it, and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile” (Exodus 2:3).
Letting go of our children is a process, that starts at a very young age. Every step on the way to maturity, and each milestone signifies one step further away from their dependence on us to their independence as an individual. Eventually, they will leave us to venture out into the world. Letting go of our children can be tough for us moms.
While we have the responsibility and a short window of opportunity to raise them, let’s be good stewards. It’s necessary that we prepare our children to leave home someday. I might add, we can’t do this in our own strength we need to depend on God.
Jochebed, the mother of Moses, sets an excellent example for us to emulate on letting go of our children.
The mother of Moses was a woman of faith from the priestly tribe of Levi (Exodus 2:1, Hebrews 11:23). Despite the danger it imposed upon the whole family, she hid her child for 3 months (Exodus 2:2b). Furthermore, some commentators suggest she may have had a revelation from the Lord about the destiny of this child; nobody knows for certain. Although this may be true, I suggest most parents will go to great lengths to preserve their child.
Jochebed executed a well thought out plan to let her son go. First we are told she hid her child till she was no longer able. So she prepared a basket with tar and pitch to make it waterproof. Next she put the basket on the bank of the Nile at the same time Pharaoh’s daughter would be bathing. Lastly, she sent her daughter as a look out.
Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the child and at first glance has compassion on him. She directs Miriam (the sister of Moses) to summon a Hebrew nurse for the child. Miriam calls for the mother of Moses. In short, Jochebed was able to nurse her child until he was adopted by the Pharaoh’s daughter.
In view of the fact that Jochebed gave up something very precious to her, God saw her heart, and heard her prayers. Thus, God blessed her actions. During Moses’ early years, Jochebed had the opportunity to impart her faith to him.
The book of Proverbs states, “Man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
What is very clear about this story is that careful planning and putting her plans into effect helped Jochebed to succeed. Because of her love for her child, she was focused on all the particulars.
Also, I discern a degree of control by a determined mother. It appears she knew in advance when the Pharaoh’s daughter would go into the Nile to bathe, and the exact location. In addition, she knew where to place the basket so the current would drift in that direction. Then Miriam was on the scene at an opportune moment to suggest a Hebrew nurse for the infant.
To sum up the points of the story:
- She hid her son. To protect him as long as possible.
- She executed a plan. Her plan was well thought out in advance.
- She followed through with her plan. Although I am sure she had doubts, she persevered.
- She let go of her child. She let him go in faith, sending him into dangerous territory.
- She was blessed for her efforts. God brought her child back to her.
Although we may want to hold onto and protect our children, letting go of our children is a necessary step for growth and maturity into adulthood. But before leaving the nest we need a game plan for raising our children.
Parenting is the most important job given this side of eternity.
Have we prepared ourselves? Most of us are not trained in the area of parenting. So we certainly don’t want to fumble our way through. How will we pass on a Godly heritage to them? What about discipline and respect for authority? Protecting them from physical dangers, and dangers from a world that is progressively more hostile to Christian values? And how about their education, teaching basic life skills, and a good work ethic?
We need perseverance and consistency to follow through. If we have a game plan, we need to use it. Also, bear in mind we need to be consistent. We should not send mixed messages to our children.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Although there are many particulars necessary within the groundwork of raising our children, their spiritual success should be our priority. Jochebed took motherhood very seriously, and passed on a godly heritage to her son. Also, I might add, to her other children as well. As a result, Moses was not enticed by the pagan palace where he grew up. He identified with the one true God, and the people of God (Hebrews 11:24-27).
When we finally reach that stage of letting go of our children, we need to “let go and let God.” If we take on motherhood seriously, as Jochebed did, God will bless and validate our efforts.
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