Jochabed: a mother who let go

Trembling, Jochabed kneels down and places her baby into the basket she has lovingly woven for him. Gurgling happily, he is blissfully unaware that her heart is skipping a beat as she chokes back the tears that threaten to overwhelm her.

As she pushes him away, down the River Nile and into an unknown future, her heart is torn in two. Filled with anguish at the thought of relinquishing this vulnerable and precious gift, but full of faith as she defies the command of the most powerful ruler of the time who has commanded that all baby boys be put to death; entrusting him, instead, to an even greater King.

Softly, she whispers the sacred words that she has repeated over and over again in the brief three months of his little life: ‘Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe…’

Three short months, but long enough to know that God has a calling on his life. Long enough to speak prophetically over him the plans and promises of the Almighty. Long enough to picture him accomplishing great and awesome deeds in the name of the God of Israel.

As she watches her precious child float down the river, praying fervently under her breath, a beautiful Egyptian woman wanders to the water’s edge, notices him and commands her maid to draw him out of the water. Pharaoh's own daughter is the very woman God has selected to raise Moses. Then, Moses’ sister swiftly steps in with a bold offer that leads to Jochabed becoming her own son’s nurse.

What a blessing; what a privilege! Now she has more time than she had ever imagined to pour into him and teach her son the ways of the Lord. Time to teach him of Yahweh’s goodness and steadfast love. Time to impress upon him the calling that the Almighty has placed on his life. Time that will stand him in good stead as he grows up both as an Egyptian prince, but also a man of God.

A man who will one day lead his people out of this very nation in which he is to grow up: out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

A man who will be entrusted with the Law of God: the Ten Commandments and the Torah.

A man whose mother was faithful and faith-filled and who relinquished the most precious gift she had into the hands of a God whom she feared more than the evil ruler of her day.

The story would have had a very different outcome had she not let Moses go. Despite not knowing the outcome of her son’s future, Jochabed chose to relinquish her precious child into the hands of the Almighty. When she did, the Lord took over and provided for him in miraculous and mighty ways. Will you let go and trust God too?

Questions for reflection:

• Will I entrust my children and/or the people and things I love the most into the hands of my Father who cares more and will protect and provide better than I ever could?

• How do I use my time with my children and those I love? Do I allow busyness, distraction or discontent to rob precious and valuable moments, or am I redeeming the time by pouring into them and teaching them of the Lord at every opportunity I am given?

• Who do I fear more - the Lord or the rulers of this day? Will I be willing to count the cost and disobey if it comes to that?

• Do I have faith for my children and family and do I pray over them as such, declaring all of God’s good and perfect plans for them? Do I foresee God using their lives to accomplish extraordinary things?