Mum’s the Word

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:26–27 (NIV)

‘You’ll come to grief!’ my mother warned as my sister and I played boisterously.  It seemed as though she was always right and there would follow a bumped head or a dispute of some kind that would lead to tears.  As a grandmother now, I find that I use more and more of my mother’s sayings without even thinking about it.

When I was a child my mother was always there, especially when I needed her.  Then came my youth where I believed I knew everything and my mother just did not understand me or the modern world.  Following marriage, it took the birth of my children for my thinking to change.  Realisation that I actually knew nothing about being a mother and all that it embodied came quickly.  Panic ensued.  She was there to encourage and support and this is true for so many mothers.  They are very special people who have immense understanding and a unique love.

Jesus’ mother was no exception.  Her situation as decreed by God was always going to be unparalleled.  Nonetheless she fulfilled the maternal role to the very best of her ability.  She knew and loved her son well, but still on occasion He left her puzzled, as in the story of Jesus with the teachers in the temple told in Luke 2:41-52.  However, at the outset of Christ’s ministry she knew exactly how to advise those around Him. We find her telling them to “Do whatever he tells you”! (John 2:5)

God created the role of mother as we read in Genesis 3:20.  He demands love and respect for them – imperfect as they are.  Leviticus 19:3 tells us, “Each of you must respect your mother and father…”  Mothers are intended to be teachers (Proverbs 1:8) among many other qualities.  They are crucial to the solid foundation of a Godly society.

The pressures on mothers today are great and multitudinous, but they do their level best for the family they cherish.  Proverbs 4:3 records, “For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.”

All too soon our mothers grow old and we suddenly find ourselves without them – so many things unsaid.  Grasp the opportunity to tell them how valued and loved they are.  Thank God for the institution of family and for placing mothers right at the centre.

Prayer
Great wonderful God, thank you for the family unit that you ordained at Creation.  We pray for the day when it will be re-instituted across the world.  Thank you Father for our mothers who work so hard for our good.
Amen

Study by Irene Wilson

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About the Author:
Irene Wilson is a Deaconess in the Watford Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK, where she also serves on the Pastoral Council.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford,
Herts.
WD24 7HF

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11AM

Local Congregational Contact:
George Henderson
Phone:  01923-855570
Email: george-sue.henderson@tesco.net