Monday Read Isaiah 49:8-15
Almost all of us know that the Bible uses fathering images to portray God. You may be surprised, however, that the Bible also uses “mothering” images to show how much God loves us. Isaiah says God is less likely to forget us than a mother is to forget her nursing child. (Psalm 131 and Matthew 23:37 are other examples.)
- In what ways was your mother a reliable positive presence in your life? In what ways does God’s steadfast love seem real to you because of your mother? How does this promise speak to your heart at those testing times when God’s presence and power are not on obvious display?
- Verse 14 shows Israel’s wary, guarded response to God’s promises. Have you ever let down another person, perhaps a child? When have parents or others let you down? How has opening yourself to God’s nurturing love begun to heal any gaps left by the way you were parented, and in your parenting of your children?
Tuesday Read Proverbs 31:10-30
This poetic picture of an ideal mother comes from Hebrew wisdom writing. This woman feeds and clothes her family, but also deftly handles business and managerial tasks. Parts of the poem are surprisingly “liberated,” coming from the patriarchal Hebrew culture. Her children call her (and no doubt themselves) “blessed.”
- Which of the qualities or actions this passage mentions have you experienced from a mother or mother figure? Which of them have you been able to do for your own or someone else’s children? What are some modern activities that are like the ones the ancient Hebrew writer mentioned?
- Verse 20 echoes a theme we find often in the Bible. This “ideal woman” has a heart for helping those who are poor and in need. What gifts and resources do you have that can be used to bless people who are in need? How can you use them to reach beyond your own family and bless others?
Wednesday Read Psalm 71:14-18
All of us (and especially mothers and fathers) are responsible for teaching the next generation about God. This isn’t just a temporary role, the psalmist said. It continues even when we are “old and gray.” It can be a growing, learning experience to review what messages we convey as we share our life experience.
- Which of your experiences do you (or would you) see as notably helpful in teaching the next generation about God’s faithfulness and power? What parts of your experience make it harder for you to pass that on to the next generation in a credible way? For what reasons?
- The psalmist declares, “I will always have hope.” In what stage of life are you? Is “old and gray” a fact, an approaching likelihood, a distant reality or something you can’t even imagine happening to you? How does age (or other circumstances) affect your ability to express your hope and confidence?
Thursday Read Mark 3:20-35
Mark records a time when Jesus’ mother and siblings feared that he had lost his mental balance. They came to take him into “protective custody.” But Jesus would not give up his God-given mission, even to please his closest earthly relatives. Obeying God, he said, creates a closer bond than even family ties.
- How could Jesus’ mother have gotten such a wrong impression of what her son was doing? Have your parents ever failed to figure you out, or you to understand your children? How can you offer wisdom and support to those you love, and yet keep from trying to heavy-handedly control their lives?
- Jesus did not “disown” his mother in this passage. On the cross, he lovingly left her in the care of his beloved disciple (John 19:25-27). But he was serious about his bond with those who do God’s will. How can faith and shared experience with God create ties as close as, or closer than, those we share with family members?
Friday Exodus 1:15-2:10
This story shows many facets of a mother’s love. Moses’ mother bravely, ingeniously protects her son as Pharaoh is trying to wipe out Hebrew males. The Hebrew midwives take a big risk by ignoring evil orders. And it’s not just Israelites. Pharaoh’s daughter quietly defies her father, shields this Hebrew boy, and raises the child as her own.
- Moses played a pivotal role in the Bible story. He was the human instrument God used to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt. How crucial were his mother’s (and sister’s) courage and creativity in saving his life? In what ways do you see God’s power at work with and through Moses’ loving family?
- Moses’ natural family lost the chance to raise him. He grew up as the son of an Egyptian princess. In what ways may that have blessed Moses? In what ways may it have been a challenge? What blessings and limitations do you see in your
Saturday
Personal Application: Mothers—review your mothering. What new insights did you get this week? Identify an area of mothering you feel good about. Identify an area where you want to do better and prayerfully plan specific growth steps.
Non-mothers—who are or were your main mother figure(s)? Did they approach God’s ideal for mothers? If so, thank them. If not, turn to God, who loves you as tenderly as a perfect mother. Prayerfully claim God’s peace from Psalm 131:2.
Family Activity: Generation after generation, God has used women to help fulfill God’s purposes in the world. As a family, name several women who have positively impacted your lives and your Christian faith. Discuss the qualities these women have in common. Talk about how their lives reflect the life of Jesus. Write a family letter and/or draw pictures of appreciation to one or two of these women, thanking them for their example of Christ’s love. Be specific in letting them know what they have taught you and how you plan to share that with others now and in future generations. Also tell the women how your family is seeking to grow in your faith. Ask these women to pray for God to guide you on your faith journey.