“You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
–Matthew 5:14 (NLT)
If you’re like me, you’re getting tired of being stuck in quarantine, and you’re ready to go out and start doing things again.
A few weeks ago, I was dreading Easter Sunday. In-person church services were all cancelled, shops and restaurants were closed, and friendly get-togethers were heavily discouraged. Everything fun about Easter had been systematically eliminated. My family usually gets together with Tim and I for Easter dinner, and I was sad that this wouldn’t happen this year.
On Good Friday, my mom texted me. “I just bought a ham at Costco,” she said. “Would you like me to bring over some Easter dinner for you two?”
Tim and I were very touched that Mom was thinking of us. She arrived at about noon on Sunday with ham, mashed potatoes, carrots, and even a couple chocolate bunnies (another thing I thought I’d never get this year). Her dinner and her loving thoughts of us were the highlight of our Easter.
This was a great recent example of my mother’s love for both of us. I hope you’ve had the blessing of knowing a loving mother as well. On this Mother’s Day weekend, I’d like to tell you a few of the ways that mothers, and God, show their love for us.
First, a mother loves and cares for you from the moment you’re born. I’ve heard it said that a mother loves you first, and then she loves you forever. A mother knows and loves her children from the moment they’re conceived, and she nurtures and helps them as they grow older.
Similarly, God knew and loved you even before you were born. He has promised that if we believe and trust in Him, He will always walk beside us, and He’ll offer His wisdom whenever we ask for it.
Secondly, a mother’s love is unconditional. Even when you mess up or make the wrong choices, Mom will always be there to guide and love you.
I haven’t experienced the many trials of raising kids, but I’ve heard that there are times when all moms want to tear their hair out in the face of their kids’ antics. However, the special bond between a mother and child is a very strong one. Whatever may happen, mothers will always love their children.
God hates sin, but he loves sinners. In other words, God dislikes all the trouble we get up to, but He chooses to love us anyway. If He has called us, He will always love us, and He’s always there to help us when we ask Him for it.
Third, mothers are willing to sacrifice the things that matter most to them. This may include their time, money, or other resources. A mother would gladly drop her fine china if her kids were in trouble, or if they needed her time or her help.
Of course, God made the ultimate sacrifice for us when He sent His son to Earth to die for our sins. Even though God knew some of us won’t love Him in return, He still called Jesus to give up His life for us. If that doesn’t prove that God loves us, I don’t know what does.
In all those ways, mothers and our God are very similar. They all show their love in different ways, but this love is both strong and unconditional. Jesus is the light of the world, and every mother provides a unique reflection of that light and His love here on Earth.
If you don’t know about Jesus’ love, we urge you to get to know God through His word, and then prayerfully ask Him into your life and repent of your sins. If you’re already in Jesus’ loving arms, re-dedicate yourself to Him today. In any case, we pray that you will draw near to God and feel His everlasting love.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-432-6498. When prompted, press 1 for live chat rooms, and we’ll be waiting in room 31. You can press pound to bypass our friend Sharon’s intro message once you’ve entered room 31. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.