Jochebed- A Mother of Priorities

Exodus 2:1-10 gives us a description of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, Aaron and Miriam. From this

mother of three, we have a wonderful example of courage, trusting God and the importance of having

insight. This mother was fearless and put God’s plan for her son above her own desire. She let go and let

God have full control of her son, even when it meant giving him up. Today we will meet Jochebed and for

just a bit step into her life as a mother of a child born when a royal decree was declared that deemed all

male babies born be killed.

Imagine just for a moment that you knew because of the sex of your child your baby would be killed. What would you do? How would you react? This is exactly what happened to Jochebed and Amram (her

husband). Pharaoh issued a decree that all Hebrew male newborns were to be thrown into the river to

drown. Jochebed and Amram hid Moses for three months, knowing that if Pharaoh found out they would

surely die. Can you imagine the fear, stress and faith that were involved during those three months!?

Those of us who have had children know that those first three months after delivery hormones are still

leveling off, new demands and stresses appear, and anxiety rises. Despite all of this, Jochebed knew God

had a plan for Moses and she focused on prioritizing the safety and life of her newborn son. Bathed in

prayer, I am sure that tears poured down her face as she sought God’s protection for her baby.

As the three-month-old baby grew, there is no doubt in my mind that Jochebed pondered many things: we can’t continue hiding him as he grows; will he be safe in the basket; what if a crocodile comes; a storm

may come tossing the basket over; what about snakes; and many more. I’m sure you can relate to trying to cover all the bases as trying moments arise. It’s during these times that we tend to make rash decisions and forget to include God. Jochebed trusted God and her priorities were focused on God’s sovereignty. He would

take care of the “what if’s.” There is no doubt in my mind that our wonderful Creator of the universe calmed her mind and heart as she carried out the work that God had for her. Oh, what a good, good Father we have! Matthew 6:34 tells us, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”

Praise God for His miraculous plan. Pharoh’s daughter heard baby Moses crying, got him from the

water and fell in love with him immediately. Jochebed in all her wisdom had Miriam watching over the

basket in which Moses was in, so when Pharoh’s daughter got Moses, Miriam offered to get “a Hebrew

mother” to nurse Moses for her. Who but God could have orchestrated all these things. As Jochebed was

brought to the palace and nursed Moses those first three to four years, what do you think those days

were like for Jochebed, knowing that she only had a short time with Moses.

Aware that the Egyptians worshipped false gods, Jochebed no doubt began to teach Moses about Jehovah from the moment she held him in her arms. She knew the influence of these first years would be the foundation in the life of her son. Planting seeds early in life is so important and Jochebed seemed to have full knowledge of this. Hebrews 11:24-28 gives us a little more information regarding the faith of Moses that must have been grounded in him as a young toddler while still with his mother, Jochebed. He “refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, chose to be mistreated with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting

pleasure of sin, regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt,

left Egypt with no fear of the king’s anger” and much more. Moses was looking ahead (just as Jochebed did) to his reward from God.

Dear friend, just as in the story of Jochebed and Moses, history is made every time we make a decision. The importance of having our priorities centered around doing God's will cannot be understated. I want to regress just a moment here. While I have focused mostly on Moses, we can’t really leave a discussion of Jochebed without considering her other children. Oh, how proud she must have been of them! Miriam was about 7-12 years old as she watched over her baby brother’s (Moses) basket. Think about what that must have taken for a child of this age to do: patience, courage (esp. to approach Pharaoh’s daughter), love, a protective demeanor, and maturity beyond her years. Yes, Jochebed must have instilled having priorities into Miriam as well, and these were all displayed as the scene with Pharoh’s daughter transpired. Miriam was also known for leading the women in song and worship after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea leaving Egypt.

As for Aaron (the older brother of Moses), he was a high priest with a calling from God. Aaron stepped up

many times as needed to speak for Moses, helped in leading, and the line of priests came from him.

Aaron (as well as Miriam) did have a bout with disobedience, but God had grace on him. There were

consequences, but God had a purpose in the lives of this sweet family who knew the importance of

priorities. Hebrews 5:4 says, “And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by

God, just as Aaron was.” Jochebed’s children realized the importance of serving God, prioritizing His will,

and answered “yes.” My sweet friend, that brings me to you. Can you say that your priority in life is God?

Are you teaching your children to follow Him? Are you praying daily for your children?

Friend, you may feel like Jochebed as you release your child as a single mother to their father, as you

release your new graduate to a new college in another state, into a relationship that is not what you have

prayed, as you release your sweet child into the life of marriage, or you are just releasing them to go out

into this evil world to work or go to school. Sister, I feel your pain and so does God. What a blessing we

have that Jochebed didn’t have in that we have God’s Word: The Bible that gives us hope, comfort and

promises. James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man (woman) avails much.”

Jochebed took the role of motherhood seriously. There is no greater call than to influence and teach your child to prioritize God in their life. Down through the years, the mission of motherhood is the same: molding our children to have the character of God; having and displaying priorities in our lives that reflect God's love and obedience; using God’s Word to prepare ourselves as well as our children to navigate life here on earth and prepare for eternity; and finally seeing our children come to accept the gift of salvation from our wonderful God.

My prayer is that every woman reading this blog will make an effort to prioritize things in our lives (and the lives of our children) that God will be pleased with, to set our priorities on God’s will, raising children who like Aaron and Moses will shine for God.

Verses to consider: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 6:20, Hebrews 5:4; 11:24-28; James 5:16

Think About This:

*Are you praying courageously and trusting God with the future of your children?

Do your priorities center around God's will for you and your family?

*How does Jochebed’s story inspire you?

~Live Sent

BONUS: More on Miriam can be found in Exodus 14-15 as she gave praise, leading women to praise

God with tambourines, dancing and singing after her husband (Hur) and Aaron held up the arms of

Moses during a major battle victory. Micah 6:3-4 also refers to Miriam. Miriam was also a Prophetess

through which God had spoken (Exodus 15:20; Numbers 12:2).