We cannot begin to think of mothers without speaking of our first mother, Eve. She was unashamed of her calling to serve in the Garden. Her duty was to make Eden a place where God’s name would dwell forever. She was future-oriented, planting a vineyard for the happiness of the Garden (Prov. 31:16) and her husband. Though Eve fell, the vision of the future does not. And so, mothers press on to that higher calling.
Faithful mothers are theologians of the future knowing well their eschatology in a fallen world. She lives in such a way to influence her children and her children’s children. It’s why young men call their moms in college because they are equally passionate about the future. They find commonality in their planning.
On this Mother’s Day, children must bless their mothers and husbands must praise their wives! A good queen makes the name of Yahweh known in her Garden, for she lives in harmony with the Lord of the future. And especially today, we show honor to whom honor is due.
But the journey is far from over. As mothers get older and gain more biblical wisdom, they become wise matriarchs in communities. They theologize about life and apply the Gospel in new ways to their offspring and community. People are drawn to her understanding and begin to say: “Go to her. Seek her counsel.” But this does not happen overnight. The faithful mother builds her days now on loving truth; her theology is the resurrection of Jesus, who gives her new strength every day.
Remember mothers, it is not your husbands that give you an identity; it is Christ who names you. When you are overwhelmed by your duties, your salvation is in the risen Jesus. The empty tomb identifies you; it’s the resurrection that shapes your future.
Christian mothers, in one way, set the rhythm for the rest of the world. C.S. Lewis put it this way:
“To be a mother is a woman’s greatest vocation in life. She is a partner with God. No being has a position of such power and influence. She holds in her hands the destiny of nations, for to her comes the responsibility and opportunity of molding the nation’s citizens.”
Mothers, do not ever allow someone to say that your role is not valued. You are co-heirs of grace. Your children are future warriors trained by the mighty hands of ordinary moms who embrace the future like Mary, Sarah, Ruth, and so many others.
For every diaper you change, for every alphabet letter you teach, for every kiss, for every song, for every meal you make, for every joy you instill in your children and others in your community, therein is the testimony of God’s grace in the world.
Moms, you are God’s gift to the Church and your families. Be encouraged in your calling. We need your wisdom, and the world needs it also. Do not grow weary in well-doing. You are shaping the future with your actions. Happy Mother’s Day! And may the God of all peace sustain and nourish you with His grace now and forever. Amen.
