Moms
My dad was the smartest man in the entire world. He knew how to answer all of my most difficult questions. Whenever I asked him challenging questions in life he would wisely respond, "Go ask your mother!"
Nothing is quite as wonderful, nurturing, and important as a good mom. Moms are amazing! Moms sing us to sleep and cuddle us as babies. They fix boo-boos and read stories when we are toddlers. Moms correct and challenge us as teenagers. They encourage us and pass on wisdom as we age. Moms are not perfect, but can know more than most the importance of sacrificial love.
There was no greater example of motherhood than Jesus' mother, Mary. She understood that her relationship with her children (especially Jesus) was grounded in her love for God. She was not perfect, but she knew what all good parents do. If we want to be a great parent and have a special relationship with our children, then we need to first live our own life as a servant of God. The gospel scenes of Mary and Jesus point to a nurturing, faithful, complex, sometimes even baffling relationship. However, underneath it all was the sacrificial love of God.
At the annunciation Mary responded to the angel Gabriel, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”. (Luke 1:38 NIV) This after initially wondering how this could be. Mary also marveled when the shepherd's visited at Jesus' birth. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 NIV). Mary was a shining example of the importance of a human, warm, loving relationship. She was joyful and humble. She knew her child was a gift from God.
However, it was her relationship with Jesus when he was an adult that intrigues the most. Mary strongly hinted that Jesus turn water into wine at the wedding in Cana. “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”. (John 2:4 NIV) Mary then told the servants to do as Jesus commanded. Jesus dutifully ordered the large jars to be filled with water. When the water was drawn out it became fine wine. It was one of the most curious encounters in the entire Bible. Did Jesus give in to his mother? Was she right? How did they feel toward each other in that moment? The text never really answers these questions, and we are left to wonder.
Finally, the most powerful scene between Jesus and his mother was the scene at the cross. On the cross Jesus looked down and saw the most important people in his earthly life. Jesus said, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”. (John 19:26, 27 NIV). Notice, he did not say, “Here you two be friends.” No, Jesus was very specific to set up the mother/ child relationship. Especially at the cross, Jesus and his mother Mary knew the importance of a relationship grounded in the sacrificial love of God.
Nothing is quite as wonderful, nurturing, and important as a good mom. Some have had (and do have) very troubling relationships with their moms. Many prayers of healing for all in those situations. Others have had and continue to have blessed relationships with their moms. I pray you take some time today to give thanks for mother's everywhere. Remember the special moments with your mom! Remember her joys. Remember her challenges. Remember her heartache. Remember her faithfulness. Remember her love!
Today is God’s Present!
