Daily Devotional

“The name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam” (Numbers 26:59). 

A mother’s influence on her child’s life is profound. Take John New- ton, the writer of “Amazing Grace,” for instance. His mother died when he was only six years old, but she had poured great energy into teaching him about the Bible. She earnestly prayed that one day John would be a minister of God. 

You might have heard that John Newton didn’t immediately turn out the way his dear mother had envisioned. But did you know that he became so vile that even hardened sailors were shocked by his evil behaviour, foul mouth, and sacrilegious attitude? 

John was in his twenties when a near-death experience at sea led to a change of heart. All of his mother’s teachings came rushing back to his humbled mind. He gave his life to God, eventually became a minister, and faithfully served the Lord. He credited his salvation to those early teachings from his godly mother. 

Moses, too, was blessed with a devout mother. Jochebed was born a slave, but she was faithful to God. By the time Moses arrived, her people had been in Egypt for hundreds of years, forced into labour by the oppressive Pharaoh. This wicked ruler, fearing the Hebrew slaves would become too strong and rise up in revolt, had ordered that all their baby boys should be thrown into the Nile River and drowned. 

But the Bible says that after Moses was born, he “was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command” (Hebrews 11:23). 

Jochebed’s faith was rock solid. She trusted God and believed the deliverer He had promised would soon make an appearance. She refused to sacrifice her child without a fight. There had to be another way! 

Dear Father, make us, like the faithful Jochebed, steadfast in trusting You.