May 11, 2025
Morning Service

Deut. 5:16 'Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

 

It is wonderful that we set aside this second Sunday in May for us to specifically celebrate “Mother’s Day.”  I also feel one day a year is not nearly enough recognition for the thankless job that mothers are called to do.  Do you remember the show on the Discovery Channel hosted by Mike Rowe called “Dirty Jobs?”  He would travel around the US and find jobs that were excessively hard and required a great commitment to do such as working in a coal mine or growing mushrooms.  I would like to think he could have had an episode dedicated to the difficulty and complexity of motherhood.  Think about it.  It begins with nine months of a changing body and a new life growing inside of her and then that baby has to come out of her somehow and we know that is never easy.  That child then fully depends upon his/her mother to care for them 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Her needs and wants always take a back seat to the needs of her beloved, God given child.  The days quickly turn to weeks and the weeks to months and then to years and may include this scenario multiple times.

 I cannot imagine that Mr. Rowe could find any tougher job than the one of a mother.  Today we honor you mothers for your fulfilling of all that God has called you to do especially for the things that are done behind the spotlight over and over again and again. Motherhood is a calling from God that truly does demonstrate for us how He loves us.  A mother’s love for her child is, I believe, is the best example of God’s unconditional love for each one of us.  Thank you, and today we honor you, but I also want to challenge you. A woman’s calling is not only to raise her children, but also her challenge is to make her house a home and run it well.  Solomon described a virtuous woman this way in Proverbs 31.

Pro 31:10-31Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.  (11)  The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.  (12)  She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.

            Not only is she caring for her children, but she is the wind in the sails of her husband empowering him to be all that he can be, not holding him back.  She is trustworthy and faithful to him helping, supporting and encouraging him in all he does.  She makes their home a source of stability in his life which outside of the home is often full of worry and stress.  The two have truly become one as God designed and in fulfilling her role as a mother and wife she is “worth far more that rubies.”

 

 (13)  She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.  (14)  She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.  (15)  She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.  (16)  She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.

            She tirelessly works to meet her family’s needs in various ways and even cares and provides for those around her who are not of her family.  She is not bound to doing only housework all day long, but can have a successful career of her own, but her family always comes first.

 

 (17)  She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.  (18)  She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.

            She is confident, comfortable, and content in fulfilling the role God has given her.  She is not discouraged in knowing God has made the man the head of the house, but embraces her role as just as important.  She takes pride that she fulfills her role well, being an example to her family and bringing glory to God in all that she does.

 

 

 

 

 

 (19)  She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.  (20)  She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.  (21)  She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.  (22)  She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.  (23)  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

            She is mindful of all those around her in need and reaches out to them to help. She does not fear the uncertain future, but does her best to prepare for it. She even finds time somehow to do little things for herself finding joy in simple pleasures.

 

 (24)  She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.  (25)  Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.  (26)  She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.  (27)  She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.  (28)  Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: (29)” Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."  (30)  Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.  (31)  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

            A mother/woman of virtue displays strength through her self-sacrificing lifestyle.  Her giving of herself does not display weakness, but displays her strength.  She uses her words to build others up with wisdom and kindness, not tearing them down with judgment or criticism.  Take notice of how often you praise your children and husband for the things they are doing right compared to how often you tell them their mistakes or shortcomings.  In doing these things, your children and husband will love and respect you for your efforts and called you “blessed.”  Notice in verse 30 what the driving factor is for all that she does; “a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”  A woman who embraces the role God has called her to glorifies Him with “the fruits of her hands.”  She is a doer and not a hearer only following Jesus faithfully.

            I have to admit in just reading the passage, I am exhausted just thinking about someone doing all of these things.  Please don’t feel I or anyone else will be holding you to this standard.  Just as we all aim for perfection in following Jesus, we know it is unattainable and we all fall short.  To ask a woman to do all of this truly is next to impossible.  But ladies, through this scripture I hope you are challenged to be all that you can be for God and your family.  God has called you to this role and realize perfection can be your goal but simply do the best that you can.  Be the glue that holds your household together and trust God to give you the wisdom and energy to do it well.  Be the thermostat of your household keeping things at a comfortable temperature even when storms come your way.

  I want to also make you aware of another resource you have that often gets forgotten.  Titus tells us of a ministry that evolves from years of being mothers and housewives that I believe is vital to you.

 

Tit 2:3-5 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— (4) that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, (5) to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

            It takes a village to raise a child and ladies you are blessed to be part of a loving family here at the church that is here to help.  You have sisters here in this Fellowship that have walked the path you are on and are now an excellent resource available to you.  Notice also ladies from the opposite point of view, that just because your children are raised does not mean you are no longer needed or have a role to fulfill.  There is a hunger among younger women for you to share with them the many lessons you have learned with them and let them know how you survived those difficult years.  Look for opportunities to step in and help someone who is struggling and receive the blessing for it.  I know you have memories of who that someone was that helped you.  I also hope you encourage them to live in the moment and enjoy each stage of your child’s growth as it flies by so quickly.  

            If your mother is still with you be sure to thank her today for sacrificing so much for you.  Let her know you love, respect and appreciate her on this day set aside to honor her for doing one of the toughest jobs out there and doing it with love.