Notes and comments from Mothers Day May 10, 2009
Heritage - Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.
Scripture Reference:
2 Timothy 1:1-6 ESV
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Comments
The celebration of motherhood is often overshadowed by the emmence joy of the new arrival or the success of the mature individual. It is good that a special day is set aside just for mothers as they deserve much more but at least there is one day in each year when mothers are honored and celebrated for their contribution, sacrifice, and committment to their family, friends, and society.
As joyous as it is this day can be as equally sad. As I travelled into the church this morning I passed a cemetery where a mother and two young children were sitting on a bench looking at a gravestone. The scene was a reminder that though today is a celebration it can also be a day of grief.
It is important that we cherish the moments we have with each other as none of us a guarenteed or promised the next breath
Another reminder of the importance and impact that mothers have on their children is a story I recalled hearing about an initiative by a greeting card company. The initiative was designed to offer Mother’s Day cards free prison inmates so they could send them home or to someone that they considered a mother figure. The program started with a few cards and ended with a truckload or two. It was far more successful that originally anticipated.
Certainly all mothers leave/have a heritage but there is something about being a godly mother and the ensuing passion that extends through the spiritual relationship she has with God…Paul recognized it in Timothy’s life and thought it was an important attribute of his life that he mentioned both his mother and grandmother.
My intention in this sermon is to offer hope to those of you who have diligently sought the Lord, encouragement to those of you beginning this adventure of motherhood, and direction to those of you who may be new to the whole “godly mother” reference in the title.
The godliness of a mother…What is it?
It is that attribute and demeanor that only a mother holds that can convey her message with the look of her eyes, tone of her voice, and touch of her hand. Not to mention the whipping you get if none of these work…
Excerpts from Proverbs 31
- She is far more precious than jewels…
- With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
- She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
- She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
- Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs…
- She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
- Her children rise up and call her blessed…
The foundation of a godly mother’s life is her faith. More often than not, the faith of a godly mother is the glue that holds the fabric of her family together.
Something passed down from generation to generation…
Her Faith transcends time, age, gender, and is a source of strength to its recipients throughout their life.
More than tradition…It is a legacy
Tradition is okay as long as it does not replace the will and desire of God for our life. Paul wrote this to Timothy in approximately 62 AD. The impact of Jesus’ work began a legacy that was established in 29 years. It extended from the grandmother to the mother to the son…Three generations were dramatically changed in less time than what I typically term a generational period which is 40-years.
Wtih this in mind there are questions that I ask you:
What kind of legacy are you leaving for your children and grandchildren?
What more can a mother do?
The most important aspect of this heritage is faith.
Faith that is real; not fake! (Unfeigned…not pretended; sincerely felt or expressed; genuine)
Faith in what?
Jesus, His word, His Spirit, and His Father…
Where is your faith today?
- In the world?
- In the church?
- In your children?
A Godly mother has to place her faith in the Almighty and no one or nothing else!
It’s the prayer of a mother for her children that prevails in their lives!
It’s the fervency of a mother’s prayer that gets the attention of God!
Be encouraged!
God has not forgotten you or left you alone!
He has heard your cries and prayers!
He will not leave you!
The Lord is your ever present help, strength, support, and guide. Rely on Him to provide you with the ability to influence your family for generations!
