I would think that being a Christian parent in the midst of a ragingly ungodly culture--correct me if I'm wrong--would have to be pretty scary. You do your best to train, to shape, to nurture, but you know that slavering outside your door is a horde of enemies just waiting to snatch your little one up. Even scarier would be to know that you are going to be separated. The world is going to break down your door and snatch your child away, and you can't stop it.Your time of influence is over. Do you then give up hope?
In order for her baby to even live, Jochabed had to give him to a pagan princess, who would train him to serve a pantheon of gods. What chance did Moses have to hear God's voice?
Hannah prayed for his birth, and then she had to give him up and hand him over to a notoriously wicked pair of surrogate brothers and their selfish, foolish father. What chance did Samuel have to learn righteousness?
He was carried away into exile, a slave in the court of the most barbaric, ungodly ruler the world knew of. His parents might have been killed in the invasion, or they might have been carried away themselves, never to see their boy again. What chance did Daniel have to serve Jehovah?
Parents are a wonderful gift, and you are so important in the life of your child. But isn't it good to know that God is greater, that you can trust him to take care of your son or daughter, no matter what happens to you? You might live until you're ninety and have years and years to be a godly and wise influence on your child, and I hope you do.
My mom wasn't planning on dying when I was eleven. We had planned out our future together. I was going to be her housekeeper when I grew up. God's mercy in giving her cancer gave us time to prepare, and she never once seemed to be frightened about my future. She trusted God and knew that He is good.
I think about it a lot this time of year, because Thursday marks the twelfth anniversary of her heavenly birthday. I'm so thankful that God is greater than my mom. She is dead--He is alive. She could control my behavior--He can change my heart. She did not make me become a Christian. Jesus saved me by substituting Himself in my place, bearing my sin, paying my debt, giving me the gift of salvation, and entering heaven in my behalf. He's going to bring me there someday, and I'll stand next to my mom and we'll praise Him for what HE has done. Not only could Mom not save me--she did not have to.
I love this final stanza from John Newton's hymn "The Lord Will Provide." It reminds me of twelve years ago around this time
When life sinks apace and death is in view,
This word of his grace shall comfort us through:
No fearing or doubting with Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting the Lord will provide
2 comments:
Thank you Jenn!! You cannot imagine how this ministered to my heart. It hit me where I am this week in two ways.
1. I have the awesome responsibility of keeping one of my grandsons for a week. I think of that responsibility especially when I drive with him in the car.
2. I had a dream (nightmare) recently which was much like what you described about enemies crouching at our door. I need to be much more in prayer for all my children. As frightening as it is driving someone else's child, scarier still is the fearful prospect of the enemy grabbing hold of their souls
Thinking of you this week as you remember your mother's arrival into heaven.
I am glad it ministered to you! I found myself so blessed this week by meditating on God's gracious sovereignty and freedom in salvation as I thought about what to write. And I thank you for your thoughts this week. It's bittersweet, but gets sweeter every year.
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