In honor of Mother's Day, I would like to share with you the legacy of a rejoicing mom and wife in the Bible -- Sarah. My source is Mom's Devotional Bible NIV which I recommend for all moms. The top portion of this devotional was written by Jeanne Hendricks, author of A Mother's Legacy.
Passage: Genesis 21:1-7
Sarah conveys to me an exceptionally powerful message. She tells me that God
takes pleasure in, and responds to, two crucial love affairs. The first is
with himself. Apart from believing (and I cannot believe without loving him),
there is nothing of lasting value I could hope to give to my children. Sarah
teaches me that there is only one way to pave the future path for my children
with blessing: I must believe exactly what God has said.
The second love affair is with the man God gave me. His human nature
challenges my own pride. Yet as I submit to God, so must I submit to, respect
and love my husband. The two relationships go together; they must blend in my
life if my children are to learn from me how to build a life with eternal value.
Sarah stands as living proof that God is totally trustworthy. She reminds me
that though others may fail me, God will not.
Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." [She named her son Isaac, with means 'he laughs.'] And she added, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? yet I have borne him a son in his old age." Genesis 21:6-7
Toward the very end of Joshua's life, he summons all the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel and emboldens them with a passionate farewell address. His closing comments include these words, Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Joshual 23:14 NIV.
In the following chapter, Joshua gives another rousing speech in which he honors their ancestors (including Isaac) and reminds them of the amazing faithfulness of their God towards them. Then he challenges them to renew their covenant with a jealous God and begin again their love affair with him. Joshua gives them a choice we must all make. Do you see God as worthy of your trust?
Regarding the second love affair that Jeanne Hendricks speaks of in her devotional, we can turn to Proverbs 31:11-12 to see how a husband feels about a wife of noble character: Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. As a wife, I am challenged to be worthy of my husband's trust; for him to have full confidence that I will do everything I can to bring him good, not harm--all the days of my life.
May you renew your love affair with your spouse and your God.
Your Soul Sister
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