the Nurturer A Devotional for Women by Norma Pittman

Background: Jochebed is regarded as one of the great Hebrew matriarchs of the Old Testament. Her name means “The Lord is glorious.” Her parents, Melcha and , had four children: , Kohath, , and Jochebed. Levi, one of the twelve sons of , was already sixty-four when Melcha gave birth to Jochebed. The girl grew into womanhood with many excellent qualities, including selflessness, devotion to her family, and a deep and abiding love and commitment to . Apparently these were exactly the qualities sought in a wife, for he married Jochebed. Others say Jochebed was the matriarch and founder of the nation of . She may have been 130 years old when she gave birth to . Exodus 15:20 states that , Jochebed's second child, became a prophetess. Her third child, Moses, became known as the patriarch and savior of the . All three of her children became famous spiritual pillars for the Hebrews. At the time Moses was born, the had just ordered all Hebrew baby boys killed (Exodus 1:22). Before Moses could grow up to become the Savior of the Jews, he had to survive to adulthood. His mother played a paramount role in ensuring that he did.

Read: Exodus 2:1-8

Springtime has always been my favorite time of year. It represents new life. The tulips and daffodils start popping up as the rich soil protects the plant’s roots. The sun & moisture nourish each day making everything more beautiful than the day before. Every created thing begins to multiply in dew of Spring.

Each year there are flowerpots hanging under the awning of our front porch. Year after year species of birds make their way to those pots and claim them as home. This year we are hosts to doves. The mother dove laid 2 eggs in one of the pots. It was soon apparent that the mother was to be very visible and involved in keeping them safe. She sat on the eggs, keeping them warm, and the only time she was missing was when another took her place (probably the dad). However, in the beginning, when the eggs were laid, every time we’d come outside the mother would fly away and wait for us to leave. When the weather got really cold and the snow was falling, “mother dove” stayed on the eggs and would not fly away. She was determined to protect her young children until she knew they’d survive. She’d laid her eggs earlier than normally expected, but through peril and storm she stayed in control until they hatched. (Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection).

My experience with the birds reminded me of Jochebed, Moses’ mother. She lived during a time when having children, especially male children, was dangerous. She delivered the male child and was determined to keep him safe through the threat of harm until he could be cared for.

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Read Exodus 1:1-22

"It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father's home." Acts 7:20 NASB

There’s not a mentioned about Jochebed, but her characteristics mirror how Christ nurtures us and takes care of us especially in our times of weakness.

Moses was a helpless baby and his mother provided the care she knew he would need until he grew up. saves us, nurtures us, until we can confidently trust Him realizing our sustenance comes from Him. He doesn’t leave us, but grows us up in His image through trials and lessons of life. We will always need Him but you’ll go from just drinking milk to eating and processing meat!

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 (NIV)

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Moses grew up to become the Savior of the Jews, because of the faithfulness of God through Jochebed, but his mother played a paramount role in ensuring that he did. The scripture doesn’t say whether she new of all he had to go through but it does say that God was with Moses and spoke directly with him. Because of the nature of Moses mother he was able to have a strong vibrant relationship with God. History says that Jochebed is buried in Hebron, along with , Zilpha, Bilhad, Zippora, Elisheve, and Abigail (wife of King ). Today, the site where she’s buried is considered to be the second holiest in all of Israel and is called the Tomb of the Matriarchs.

Pause and reflect:

1. How has God spoken to you through Jochebed’s story?

2. Are you growing in the Lord? On a scale of 1-10 where are you (1 representing milk and 10 represents meat)?

3. What changes can you make in your life that will help in your growth?

4. Is there someone in your life God is using you to nurture/mentor (if not, ask God to show you someone)? If so, how do they see your character?

Close in prayer and rejoice in the confidence of Philippians 1:6. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 2