In Exodus 2, we read about a mother who was brave and persistent. Her name was Jochebed and she was the mother of Moses. At the time when Jochebed gave birth to her son, Pharaoh had put out an order that all Hebrew boys who were born had to be killed. ‘Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live”’ (Exodus 1:22 NLT). This was because the Egyptians were worried that the Israelites would rise up against them and escape from slavery. Jochebed showed immense bravery by keeping her son hidden for months after he was born. We don’t know whether God had shown her who her son would grow up to be, and the amazing things he would do, but the Bible says Jochebed ‘saw that he was a special baby.’ When she couldn’t keep him hidden any longer, she put him in a basket and placed him among the reeds in the river, where he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter and brought up as a Prince. Jochebed may not have raised Moses, but her determination to give him a life meant that he became one of the heroes of the Old Testament. Whether we were brought up by our parents, or by others, we should never forget the things they did for us while we were growing up. Often people make sacrifices to ensure that we have a good future and can fulfil the plans God has for us. We might not see those sacrifices at the time, but looking back we can remember with gratitude those who have helped us become the people we are today. 

What Now?

If you can, do something to say thank you to someone who has helped you draw closer to God and become the person you are today.