Jochebed was the mother of Miriam, Aaron and Moses. Being a descendant of the tribe of Levi, she knew God’s laws and His ways. She married Amram and had three children who were all instrumental in God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians. Num 26:59. Moses was God’s beloved servant, Aaron a Priest, while Miriam was a Prophetess. I strongly believe Jochebed pleased God so much, that her three children were used by God for His purpose and will.
First, she stood against Pharaoh’s decree of killing every male Hebrew child that was born. She had her child Moses and hid him in her house for three months, contrary to the law in operation. Was she not afraid considering the brutality of the rulership she was physically subject to? I believe she was a courageous woman, whose courage stemmed from her relationship with God. He backed her up in her decision to save her child’s life. She was a woman of faith. She had foresight, insight and wisdom. Through God’s spirit living on her inside, she knew there was a special destiny for the child she sought to protect. Understanding that she was a mere caretaker of the child God had given her, she performed her role judiciously. When she knew she could no longer hide the child in her house, she put him in a basket and placed it on a river, sending Miriam her little girl to watch over the child. She trusted God’s ability to protect his child whom she merely brought forth. While nursing Moses for Pharaoh’s daughter, I believe she instilled her ancestral values in him before he was sent to Pharaoh’s palace. How else did Moses know the Israelites were his brethren? Ex2:11.
What made Miriam acceptable to the Royal Princess of Egypt? How could a little girl convince a woman to get a nanny to care for a child she sort to call her own? How come Miriam was not shy or afraid to come out of her place of hiding while she watched her brother floating on the river? Jochebed had already instilled the right qualities relevant for the acceptance of her child Miriam in any social sphere. How about Aaron? He was three years older than Moses. He was God’s chosen orator and Prophet when Moses complained about his stammering tongue. Aaron was bold, courageous and intelligent.
What did Jochebed do right? She had her own relationship with God which affected her values. She transferred her boldness, courage and firmness to her children. She was not deterred by the values prevalent in the society. She taught her children what she knew was right. She lived by example. She showed Aaron and Miriam how to be courageous, by protecting their brother despite the consequences. She showed them what it meant to have faith. It was the same faith Miriam exuded while watching her brother. She had no fears of being in danger.
How many parents depend on God for insight into their child’s destiny? Do you exude the qualities you want your child to emulate? Do you take your parenting responsibility as a God given role, realizing that you will be held accountable some day? Do you teach your children what it means to have faith and trust in God no matter what? Do you instill in them values that will ensure they thrive and stand out in today’s decaying world? Remember that you have a role to play in the future of the next generation.
God bless you!
