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The Shofar is curved to remind us to bend in respect to G-d. The sound
is meant to be a rousing call to repentance. It is meant to awaken
everyone to make them remember the creator and forsake evil ways
and return to G-d. The Feast of Trumpets is a celebration of G-d
creating the earth and the theme of the readings is "remembered"
because Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Hannah were remembered by G-d.
I would like us to consider four aspects of a mother's power over the
lives of her children; the power of a mother's prayer, the power of a
mother's protection; the power of a mother's teaching and the power of
a mother to lift her children higher than herself.
In the book of I Samuel is the story of Hannah. In chapter one Elkanah
had two wives. One had many children and the other was barren.
Elkanah appeared to accept the fact that Hannah would not have
children. He was content with the situation as it was. Hannah was not
content and took her desire for children to the L-rd. She prayed
earnestly, not just for a child but for a son. In bitterness of soul Hannah
wept much and prayed to the L-rd Almighty, if you will only look upon
your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but
give her a son, then I will give him to the L-rd for all the days of his
life, and no razor will ever be used on his head. Samuel was conceived
and born because G-d answered this prayer of his mother. Not only was
Samuel born as a result of his mother's prayer, but his life was ordered
and shaped in direct response to her prayers as well. Hannah vowed in
prayer that Samuel would be set apart, a Nazarite, in service to G-d.
When Samuel was weaned, Samuel's parents brought the boy to Eli the
priest. Consider this incredibly simple but important truth about
Samuel: Samuel served G-d because of his mother's prayer. Hannah's
prayers were the central factor in both his birth and his beginning a life
in G-d's service. But that influence did not cease when Hannah left her
beloved son in the house of Eli. Consider the lengthy prayer of Hannah
recorded in 1 Sam 2:-1-10. My heart rejoices in the L-rd; in the L-rd my
horn is lifted high. My mouth boast over my enemies, for I delight in
your deliverance. There is no one holy like the L-rd; there is no one
besides you; there is no Rock like our G-d. Do not keep talking so
proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the L-rd is a G-d
who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors
are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those
who were full hire themselves out for food, and those who were hungry
hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she
who has had many sons pines away. The L-rd brings death and makes
alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up. The L-rd sends
poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from
the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with
princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of
the earth are the L-rd's; upon them he has set the world. He will guard
the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. It is
not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the L-rd will judge
the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his King and exalt the
horn of his anointed."
How did this prayer get recorded in the bible? Obviously Samuel
recorded it, but how would a boy just weaned remember a prayer like
this? Samuel didn't write down the prayer when he was a little child.
He would have recorded it much later in life. Hannah may have prayed
this prayer over her son time and time again. Maybe it was part of a
bedtime ritual in which the prayer was etched into his memory by his
mother's constant repetition. Maybe Hannah wrote the prayer down for
her son. As she was getting ready to leave Samuel with Eli she may
have said,"Samuel, there are going to be times when you are at Eli's
house that you may miss me. I am going to miss you every single day.
When you miss me and want to know my heart for you, read this prayer
that I have written for you. It expresses my heart and my love for you,
my son."
Whatever way it was, it appears that Samuel knew this prayer from his
mother word for word. Several things contained in this prayer are
worthy of closer examination. First, Samuel learned that he was an
answer to prayer. He learned that G-d has specially created him, and
that his mother felt exalted as a result of his birth. Samuel also learned
that G-d fights for those who trust in Him. Think of the lifelong
influence on the child who hears his mother pray and then sees G-d
answer her prayer. Children who witness G-d's answers to their
mother's prayers are quickly on the path of spiritual growth and
maturity. When Hannah prayed these words, there was no king in
Israel. No one had been anointed for such a purpose. G-d moved
Hannah to pray prophetically over her son in a way that had a clear
influence on the life of the nation of Israel. I'd like to encourage you to
see the impact you can have on the whole life of your child through
prayer. Just as you prayed for your children while you carried them
inside you, continue to pray for your children's future dedication to G-d
and service for G-d. The power of such prayers over your child cannot
be overstated. The day will come when your son or daughter will see
the hand of G-d and say in amazement, "This is what my mother was
praying about years and years ago." Your prayers have power because
they mingle your love with the even greater love of your child's
Heavenly Father.
Moses was destined for death. But his mother Jochebed looked at her
baby and saw that he was a find child. And she did what was in her
power to protect her son from death. Mothers believe in their children.
They particularly believe good things about their children's future. I
believe there is a profound truth hidden in this observation that
Jochebed made concerning Moses. Mothers look at their children
through eyes of love that project a great future for their child and
pronounce it all "fine." It is a G-d given desire to protect her child
because she sees the great potential that lies under that little helpless
exterior. She instinctively knows that her child cannot reach his or her
potential without her protection.
Statistics show that 62% of school age children watch three or more
hours of television daily. There is good reason to protect your child
from the wickedness that dominates television. Children who hear G-d's
name repeatedly taken in vain have a difficult time holding G-d in high
esteem. Mother's, protect your children from profanity! Children
accustomed to seeing sexual immorality on television, in movies, or in
magazines will have a hard time adhering to G-d's standards in this area.
Mothers, protect your children from such illicit behavior. Be careful of
your children's associates. While no one is perfect, and is not necessary
to keep your children away from nonbelievers, certain playmates are
simply unacceptable due to their special proclivities toward evil. It was
hard for Jochebed to do what she had to do to protect her son's life.
Few moms will face such an extreme situation. But we all face an
extremely degraded culture. Protection from the extremes that are
readily accepted by the world around us is a necessary reality for every
mother who believes that her child is a fine child with a bright future.
Timothy learned about G-d and developed his faith in Christ as a result
of his mother's teaching. II Tim. 1:5 says, "I have been reminded of your
sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your
mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." The
Scriptures never specifically command mothers to teach their children.
Fathers are commanded to teach their children. Fathers are
commanded to teach their children in Eph 6:4. "Fathers, do not
exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and
instruction of the L-rd." Deut 6:1-7 commands parents to teach their
children to love G-d. "These are the commands, decrees and laws the
L-rd your G-d directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you
care crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their
children after them may fear the L-rd your G-d as long as you live by
keeping all His decrees and commands that I give you, so that you may
enjoy long life. Hear, O' Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go
well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with
milk and honey, just as the L-rd, the G-d of your fathers, promised you.
Hear, O' Israel: The L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is one. Love the L-rd your
G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get
up." Scripture assumes that mothers will teach their children as
reflected in Proverbs 6:20. "My son, keep your father's commands and
do not forsake your mother's teaching. It is important to teach your
child to believe in G-d. We teach our children to love G-d through the
course of everyday living by having them watch us and listen to us as we
live a life of faith. We know that Timothy's faith first lived in his
grandmother and then in his mother. It then lived in Timothy. A
mother's faith in G-d can indeed be taught. It will be passed to your
children mostly through your actions. Do you complain a lot? A mom
who regularly complains about her circumstances teaches her child that
G-d is inadequate to meet her needs. A mother with a positive outlook
on life teaches her children her faith. Do you resist or resent your
husband's authority? A mom who struggles against authorities in her life
teaches her children that G-d's authority may also be resisted or
resented. Your teaching through actions and words to them will have a
powerful, perhaps decisive impact on their faith.
Tamar's story, recorded in Gen. 38, begins in sadness. She was married
to Judah's oldest son Er, whom G-d killed because of his wickedness.
Tamar's life in that marriage must have been unpleasant. Then, as
Jewish law required, she was given in marriage to Er's brother Onan.
Onan was suppose to fulfill an obligation to his dead brother by
conceiving a child with Tamar. He was quite willing to have relations
with Tamar, but Scripture records that he "spilled his seed on the
ground," and she obviously did not get pregnant. G-d killed Onan for his
wickedness. Judah then promised to give Tamar his son. Shelah when
he grew up. But he broke his promise. So Tamar took her desire for
children into her own hands. She posed as a prostitute and enticed her
father-in-law Judah into having relations with her. That is how she got
pregnant with the ancestor of Jesus Christ. It is a tale of desperation
and multiple layers of sin, a tale that G-d inspired Matthew to single out
for special mention in the genealogy of the Son of G-d.
Rahab a foreign harlot had the opportunity to help the people of G-d,
she did so with a skill that would fit convincingly into any tale of
military espionage. She believed that the G-d of Israel was the one true
G-d, and she acted upon this belief. It is for this reason that she is
listed in Heb. 11 among the heroes of faith. Rahab married Salmon who
is thought to have been one of the Israeli spies she protected. She is
the mother of Boaz, a man known for his piety, chastity and generosity.
Rahab's past was long behind her. Not only did she see her own life
turned around, but her belief in the one true G-d also led her child to
reflect her new faith, not her old lifestyle. Rahab experienced a mighty
transformation in her own life that impacted her child's future for good.
No Jewish man should have married Ruth. Jews were forbidden from
marrying women from Moab according to Gen. 28:1. Yet two Jewish
men married her. Her early married life quickly turned to sorrow as her
husband died. Despite her mother-in-law's bitterness, she was attracted
to the G-d of Israel and returned with Naomi to live among the Jews.
She was taken by Boaz as his wife after an incident that was full with
possibilities for sin, but both she and Boaz behaved with absolute
purity. A forbidden, foreign woman with every reason to be bitter, but
who by choice lived with great faith in Israel, is one of only four women
to be listed in the records of the birth of the Son of G-d.
The fourth and final woman in Christ's genealogy is Bathsheba. She is
famous for having committed adultery with David while she was still
Uriah's wife. For a number of reasons, spiritual responsibility for this sin
has to be laid at the feet of David. But Bathsheba was not molested.
She willingly committed adultery with the King. She also sinned.
Bathsheba made a very unwise choice. But she became the mother of
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. These were the great, great
grandmothers of the Son of G-d. A forbidden woman, two prostitutes
and an adulteress. Yet two of their sons Boaz and Solomon, achieved
special distinction in their own right.
Many of you mothers today wish you could take back certain periods of
your life to live over. Perhaps it was in your teens or your early
twenties. Maybe it was a failed marriage in your thirties. I want you to
remember these women. No matter where you started, if you have
accepted Jesus as your L-rd and Savior, you are a child of G-d. You are
in the line of Christ. Not only can your life be transformed, but your
children can avoid some of the experiences you went through. By the
power of G-d, your children can be raised up, they can go higher, they
can achieve spiritual distinction, even if their mother was born or lived
for a season on the wrong side of the tracks. If you as a parent continue
to wallow in sin, there may indeed be consequences in the lives of your
children. But G-d can lift you and your children up by the power of
Jewsus Christ, who forgives sins and turns the worst sinners into glorious
saints. Celebrate Rosh Hashanah by teaching your children about
repentance, renewing your heart toward G-d, and looking forward to
the second coming of our L-rd! The blowing of the trumpets is a sign of
the return of Christ. I Thess. 4:16-17 says "For the L-rd himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with the trump of G-d; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we
which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the L-rd in the air; and so shall we ever be with the
L-rd." Remember whatever theology you believe, you should wait in
obedience, with patient, joyful expectations. May you be inscribed and
sealed for a good year. The L-rd lift up His countenance upon you, and
give you peace.
is meant to be a rousing call to repentance. It is meant to awaken
everyone to make them remember the creator and forsake evil ways
and return to G-d. The Feast of Trumpets is a celebration of G-d
creating the earth and the theme of the readings is "remembered"
because Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Hannah were remembered by G-d.
I would like us to consider four aspects of a mother's power over the
lives of her children; the power of a mother's prayer, the power of a
mother's protection; the power of a mother's teaching and the power of
a mother to lift her children higher than herself.
In the book of I Samuel is the story of Hannah. In chapter one Elkanah
had two wives. One had many children and the other was barren.
Elkanah appeared to accept the fact that Hannah would not have
children. He was content with the situation as it was. Hannah was not
content and took her desire for children to the L-rd. She prayed
earnestly, not just for a child but for a son. In bitterness of soul Hannah
wept much and prayed to the L-rd Almighty, if you will only look upon
your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but
give her a son, then I will give him to the L-rd for all the days of his
life, and no razor will ever be used on his head. Samuel was conceived
and born because G-d answered this prayer of his mother. Not only was
Samuel born as a result of his mother's prayer, but his life was ordered
and shaped in direct response to her prayers as well. Hannah vowed in
prayer that Samuel would be set apart, a Nazarite, in service to G-d.
When Samuel was weaned, Samuel's parents brought the boy to Eli the
priest. Consider this incredibly simple but important truth about
Samuel: Samuel served G-d because of his mother's prayer. Hannah's
prayers were the central factor in both his birth and his beginning a life
in G-d's service. But that influence did not cease when Hannah left her
beloved son in the house of Eli. Consider the lengthy prayer of Hannah
recorded in 1 Sam 2:-1-10. My heart rejoices in the L-rd; in the L-rd my
horn is lifted high. My mouth boast over my enemies, for I delight in
your deliverance. There is no one holy like the L-rd; there is no one
besides you; there is no Rock like our G-d. Do not keep talking so
proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the L-rd is a G-d
who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. The bows of the warriors
are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those
who were full hire themselves out for food, and those who were hungry
hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she
who has had many sons pines away. The L-rd brings death and makes
alive; He brings down to the grave and raises up. The L-rd sends
poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from
the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with
princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of
the earth are the L-rd's; upon them he has set the world. He will guard
the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. It is
not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the L-rd will judge
the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his King and exalt the
horn of his anointed."
How did this prayer get recorded in the bible? Obviously Samuel
recorded it, but how would a boy just weaned remember a prayer like
this? Samuel didn't write down the prayer when he was a little child.
He would have recorded it much later in life. Hannah may have prayed
this prayer over her son time and time again. Maybe it was part of a
bedtime ritual in which the prayer was etched into his memory by his
mother's constant repetition. Maybe Hannah wrote the prayer down for
her son. As she was getting ready to leave Samuel with Eli she may
have said,"Samuel, there are going to be times when you are at Eli's
house that you may miss me. I am going to miss you every single day.
When you miss me and want to know my heart for you, read this prayer
that I have written for you. It expresses my heart and my love for you,
my son."
Whatever way it was, it appears that Samuel knew this prayer from his
mother word for word. Several things contained in this prayer are
worthy of closer examination. First, Samuel learned that he was an
answer to prayer. He learned that G-d has specially created him, and
that his mother felt exalted as a result of his birth. Samuel also learned
that G-d fights for those who trust in Him. Think of the lifelong
influence on the child who hears his mother pray and then sees G-d
answer her prayer. Children who witness G-d's answers to their
mother's prayers are quickly on the path of spiritual growth and
maturity. When Hannah prayed these words, there was no king in
Israel. No one had been anointed for such a purpose. G-d moved
Hannah to pray prophetically over her son in a way that had a clear
influence on the life of the nation of Israel. I'd like to encourage you to
see the impact you can have on the whole life of your child through
prayer. Just as you prayed for your children while you carried them
inside you, continue to pray for your children's future dedication to G-d
and service for G-d. The power of such prayers over your child cannot
be overstated. The day will come when your son or daughter will see
the hand of G-d and say in amazement, "This is what my mother was
praying about years and years ago." Your prayers have power because
they mingle your love with the even greater love of your child's
Heavenly Father.
Moses was destined for death. But his mother Jochebed looked at her
baby and saw that he was a find child. And she did what was in her
power to protect her son from death. Mothers believe in their children.
They particularly believe good things about their children's future. I
believe there is a profound truth hidden in this observation that
Jochebed made concerning Moses. Mothers look at their children
through eyes of love that project a great future for their child and
pronounce it all "fine." It is a G-d given desire to protect her child
because she sees the great potential that lies under that little helpless
exterior. She instinctively knows that her child cannot reach his or her
potential without her protection.
Statistics show that 62% of school age children watch three or more
hours of television daily. There is good reason to protect your child
from the wickedness that dominates television. Children who hear G-d's
name repeatedly taken in vain have a difficult time holding G-d in high
esteem. Mother's, protect your children from profanity! Children
accustomed to seeing sexual immorality on television, in movies, or in
magazines will have a hard time adhering to G-d's standards in this area.
Mothers, protect your children from such illicit behavior. Be careful of
your children's associates. While no one is perfect, and is not necessary
to keep your children away from nonbelievers, certain playmates are
simply unacceptable due to their special proclivities toward evil. It was
hard for Jochebed to do what she had to do to protect her son's life.
Few moms will face such an extreme situation. But we all face an
extremely degraded culture. Protection from the extremes that are
readily accepted by the world around us is a necessary reality for every
mother who believes that her child is a fine child with a bright future.
Timothy learned about G-d and developed his faith in Christ as a result
of his mother's teaching. II Tim. 1:5 says, "I have been reminded of your
sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your
mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." The
Scriptures never specifically command mothers to teach their children.
Fathers are commanded to teach their children. Fathers are
commanded to teach their children in Eph 6:4. "Fathers, do not
exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and
instruction of the L-rd." Deut 6:1-7 commands parents to teach their
children to love G-d. "These are the commands, decrees and laws the
L-rd your G-d directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you
care crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their
children after them may fear the L-rd your G-d as long as you live by
keeping all His decrees and commands that I give you, so that you may
enjoy long life. Hear, O' Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go
well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with
milk and honey, just as the L-rd, the G-d of your fathers, promised you.
Hear, O' Israel: The L-rd our G-d, the L-rd is one. Love the L-rd your
G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get
up." Scripture assumes that mothers will teach their children as
reflected in Proverbs 6:20. "My son, keep your father's commands and
do not forsake your mother's teaching. It is important to teach your
child to believe in G-d. We teach our children to love G-d through the
course of everyday living by having them watch us and listen to us as we
live a life of faith. We know that Timothy's faith first lived in his
grandmother and then in his mother. It then lived in Timothy. A
mother's faith in G-d can indeed be taught. It will be passed to your
children mostly through your actions. Do you complain a lot? A mom
who regularly complains about her circumstances teaches her child that
G-d is inadequate to meet her needs. A mother with a positive outlook
on life teaches her children her faith. Do you resist or resent your
husband's authority? A mom who struggles against authorities in her life
teaches her children that G-d's authority may also be resisted or
resented. Your teaching through actions and words to them will have a
powerful, perhaps decisive impact on their faith.
Tamar's story, recorded in Gen. 38, begins in sadness. She was married
to Judah's oldest son Er, whom G-d killed because of his wickedness.
Tamar's life in that marriage must have been unpleasant. Then, as
Jewish law required, she was given in marriage to Er's brother Onan.
Onan was suppose to fulfill an obligation to his dead brother by
conceiving a child with Tamar. He was quite willing to have relations
with Tamar, but Scripture records that he "spilled his seed on the
ground," and she obviously did not get pregnant. G-d killed Onan for his
wickedness. Judah then promised to give Tamar his son. Shelah when
he grew up. But he broke his promise. So Tamar took her desire for
children into her own hands. She posed as a prostitute and enticed her
father-in-law Judah into having relations with her. That is how she got
pregnant with the ancestor of Jesus Christ. It is a tale of desperation
and multiple layers of sin, a tale that G-d inspired Matthew to single out
for special mention in the genealogy of the Son of G-d.
Rahab a foreign harlot had the opportunity to help the people of G-d,
she did so with a skill that would fit convincingly into any tale of
military espionage. She believed that the G-d of Israel was the one true
G-d, and she acted upon this belief. It is for this reason that she is
listed in Heb. 11 among the heroes of faith. Rahab married Salmon who
is thought to have been one of the Israeli spies she protected. She is
the mother of Boaz, a man known for his piety, chastity and generosity.
Rahab's past was long behind her. Not only did she see her own life
turned around, but her belief in the one true G-d also led her child to
reflect her new faith, not her old lifestyle. Rahab experienced a mighty
transformation in her own life that impacted her child's future for good.
No Jewish man should have married Ruth. Jews were forbidden from
marrying women from Moab according to Gen. 28:1. Yet two Jewish
men married her. Her early married life quickly turned to sorrow as her
husband died. Despite her mother-in-law's bitterness, she was attracted
to the G-d of Israel and returned with Naomi to live among the Jews.
She was taken by Boaz as his wife after an incident that was full with
possibilities for sin, but both she and Boaz behaved with absolute
purity. A forbidden, foreign woman with every reason to be bitter, but
who by choice lived with great faith in Israel, is one of only four women
to be listed in the records of the birth of the Son of G-d.
The fourth and final woman in Christ's genealogy is Bathsheba. She is
famous for having committed adultery with David while she was still
Uriah's wife. For a number of reasons, spiritual responsibility for this sin
has to be laid at the feet of David. But Bathsheba was not molested.
She willingly committed adultery with the King. She also sinned.
Bathsheba made a very unwise choice. But she became the mother of
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. These were the great, great
grandmothers of the Son of G-d. A forbidden woman, two prostitutes
and an adulteress. Yet two of their sons Boaz and Solomon, achieved
special distinction in their own right.
Many of you mothers today wish you could take back certain periods of
your life to live over. Perhaps it was in your teens or your early
twenties. Maybe it was a failed marriage in your thirties. I want you to
remember these women. No matter where you started, if you have
accepted Jesus as your L-rd and Savior, you are a child of G-d. You are
in the line of Christ. Not only can your life be transformed, but your
children can avoid some of the experiences you went through. By the
power of G-d, your children can be raised up, they can go higher, they
can achieve spiritual distinction, even if their mother was born or lived
for a season on the wrong side of the tracks. If you as a parent continue
to wallow in sin, there may indeed be consequences in the lives of your
children. But G-d can lift you and your children up by the power of
Jewsus Christ, who forgives sins and turns the worst sinners into glorious
saints. Celebrate Rosh Hashanah by teaching your children about
repentance, renewing your heart toward G-d, and looking forward to
the second coming of our L-rd! The blowing of the trumpets is a sign of
the return of Christ. I Thess. 4:16-17 says "For the L-rd himself shall
descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with the trump of G-d; and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we
which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the L-rd in the air; and so shall we ever be with the
L-rd." Remember whatever theology you believe, you should wait in
obedience, with patient, joyful expectations. May you be inscribed and
sealed for a good year. The L-rd lift up His countenance upon you, and
give you peace.
| The Power of A Mother's Prayer |
Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc.Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007
