NEWS & THOUGHTS ARCHIVE

A Mother Worthy to be Praised

Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed;” 

Evangelist Dr. Bob Sanders
May 1, 2007

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There is a tremendous difference between being forced to do something and desiring to do something. The Bible commands children to honor their father and mother. “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee” (Deuteronomy 5:16). Please note that the praise of the children is not forced in our text. “Arise up” means to confirm, decree, lift up, or stand up. “Call blessed,” means to be straight, be honest, call or be blessed. This mother’s children stand up and confirm that they are blessed to have her for a mother. Why did this happen? What made her worthy to be praised? Children gave forth praise because of a: 

(I) Mother’s Pattern

As you read Proverbs 31:10-31, you find a mother that said as much with her life as she did with her lips. Please note the wording of verse 31,“let her own works praise her in the gates.” As others watch her life, they quickly recognize that she is a woman worthy of praise. Her desire is not to do just enough to get by or fit in with the crowd. She desires to excel, and does, “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all” (Proverbs 31:29).  

(II) Mother’s Provisions

The natural affection of a true mother is to see that the needs of her children are met. That mother is worthy of praise because she has given the gift of life. In a day when the value of human life is diminishing and a fetus is perceived as nothing more that a mass of unwanted tissue, I say praise God for all those that see motherhood as a virtue. For those that are willing to enter the valley of sorrows and pain to bring forth life, I thank God for you. My mother almost died giving me life. What a blessing to have a mother that would value the life of her unborn child above her own. In verse 15 there is the provision of food, “She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.” In verse 21 there is the provision of clothing, “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.” In verse 26 there is the provision of wisdom and kindness. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” This mother not only gave life to her children, but she helped to sustain life as well as prepare them for life. 

(III) Mother’s Prayers

When reading the story of Samuel, one of God’s greatest prophets much must be attributed to the prayers of his mother. In I Samuel 1:10-11, Hannah prayed for a son. She knew that God controlled the affairs of life and that “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalms 127:3). Hannah asked God to intercede in her behalf. In I Samuel 2:1-2, Hannah prayed because of a son. She offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings of motherhood. The prayers of his mother touched Samuel. 

(IV) Mother’s Persuasion

The book of Hebrews makes this statement about Moses, Israel’s great deliverer, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:24-25). Please take the time to read Hebrews 11:26-28. What would cause a man to turn his back on wealth, pleasure, and the best that this world has to offer for afflictions and reproach? Why would Moses reject the false gods of Egypt to embrace the True and Living God of the Israelite people? The reason is the power of a mother’s persuasion. Moses’ mother worked more into the character of Moses in a few years than the courts of Pharaoh could work out in a lifetime (see Exodus 2:7-10). Do not under estimate the power of a mother’s influence for good or evil.

The proper pattern, prosperous provisions, prevailing prayers, and a powerful persuasion are characteristics of a mother worthy to be praised! Glenda and I have been blessed to have such mothers.

May God Bless you!

Because of Him,

Brother Bobby & Sister Glenda
Hebrews 9:28

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