Women of the Bible (7)

Jochebed

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2002030

Subject: women of the Bible

Preached Originally: 05/19/02 – Rapid City, SD

Scripture reading: Ex. 6:20; Ex 2:1-10

 

INTRODUCTION:  Women have played important roles in some Bible stories.  Just because men are assigned leaders does not mean that they are always superior in behavior.  The aim of this lesson tonight is to “spot light” women and encourage them.

 

I.  Three women are keys in the life of Moses.

A.      Pharaoh’s daughter .. Moses’ sister .. and Moses’ mother .. Each had a critical and essential role in his life.

1.    His sister watched and acted responsibly ..

a)    What if she had been negligent in doing what she had been told to do?

2.    Pharaoh’s daughter had compassion and love in spite of her father’s cruel order

a)    It was he who ordered his soldiers to kill all the male babies.

b)    What if she had been cruel like her father?

3.    Moses’ mother, Jochebed .. her devotion and self sacrifice were priceless.

a)    What if she had abandoned Moses .. giving him to Pharaoh’s men?

B.     Each of these women were keys to Moses’ life as we all know from our study.

1.    Women are generally just as important to lives all around them.

a)    Women complete what the male lacks ...

2.    Women complete the team as “Help-meets” .. (Gen 2:20).

 

II.  Jochebed’s name means:  “Jehovah is Glory.”

A.     In her life and example she let the “Glory of God” shine through her (Mat 5:16).

1.    She is in the “Hall of Fame of Faith”  (Heb 11:23).

2.    Her faith was not passive .. but rather she took action .. setting the example.

B.    She taught and nurtured Moses .. (Eph 6:4).

1.    She did a priceless service for Moses and the future of the Hebrew nation.

 

III.  The past does not equal the future.

A.    Moses’ beginnings were humble .. the child of oppresses slaves with limited opportunities.

1.    All that changed the moment Pharaoh’s daughter looked upon him ..

2.    Aaron .. Miriam .. were key characters later on .. they did not grow up in the palace.

3.    The “thing” that caused these three children to grow into godly adults ..

a)    Was not material wealth .. not prominence .. nor social position.

b)    It was the love and wisdom of a humble slave woman .. Jochebed.

    B.  Mothers still perform a priceless service   (2 Tim 1:5)  (2 Tim 3:15).

 

IV.  Mothers shape the future and touch countless lives.

A.    Our society reflects the present failure of many mothers.

1.    We need more mothers like “Jochebed” to mold and discipline children.

B.    Jochebed’s influence is incalculable .. mothers today have the same potential.

1.    Influential figures in our society today are:

a)    Authors .. preachers .. politicians .. scientist .. teachers .. doctors .. business men ..

b)    Every one of these were born to a mother .. and many of their mothers played ..

 

c)     A key role in the way their child lives and contributes to society today.

2.    The most powerful hand in the world is the one that rocks the cradle.

C.   The early years of a child’s life are very important.

1.    This is when many of the foundations of character are laid.

D.   Jochebed countered in advance .. the temptations of Pharaoh’s palace (Heb 11:24-27).

1.    Her teaching and example gave Moses the character to stand for what was right.

2.    Her options might have been limited .. Her resources limited ..

a)    But .. she was not a defeatist .. she made the best of the opportunity available.

E.    Motherhood for “Jochebed” was not all joy ..

1.    The day would come when she had to let go of Moses and Pharaoh’s daughter took him.

2.    Letting go is inevitable sooner or later.

3.    It is never without some element of sadness ..

4.    When the mother had been a mother of the quality of a “Jochebed” .. it is less painful.

 

Conclusion:

A.      Jochebed provides us many lesson and shows us that success is possible amid struggles.

B.      Mothers are truly priceless.

C.     One of the greatest successes that one can achieve is to raise godly children .. who contribute positively to society.

D.     Faithful women should be respected and encouraged in every age.

E.      Our world is incomplete without them.

1.    That is the way God designed it.

2.    Men ..  look around .. be thankful for the good service these women here today have done and are doing.

F.      Women .. determine in your heart to say the good course you have traveled.

G.     Persist in living the life as “Jochebed” did.

H.     Successful living begins with God .. surrendering in faithfulness to His will .. being the men and women that He wants us to be.

I.        I N V I T A T I O N