Sunday, 13th May 2018
Rev Tao Zang
In this world, the love that is closet to the love of the Heavenly Father will no doubt be the love of a mother. The hands that rock the cradle are the hands that rock the world! In 1906, Ann Reeves Jarvis in US held a memorial service for her mother at a church, and later in 1914 the second Sunday of May officially becomes Mother’s Day. On this special day, Rev Tao gave us a few reminders of how to be a godly mother and a godly child according to the teaching of the Bible.
1. FOR MOTHERS:
Be the Mother who Fears the Lord
“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)
Those who fears in the Lord will bring safety and protection for their children. It’s also mentioned in II Timothy from Paul that due to the faith of the mother and the grandmother, Timothy was able to become who he was, a faithful servant of God. “I am 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.” (II Timothy 1:5)
Furthermore, we also learnt about Moses’ mother, who was brave enough to hide Moses, and turned the curse for the Israelite into the blessing of Israelite.
Be the Mother who Prays for her Child
“So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, Because I asked the Lord for him.” (I Samuel 1:20)
Rev Tao also shared the story of the well-know Chinese Indonesian Pastor and Evangelist, Stephen Tong, whose mother had no money to offer God so she offered her children in prayers. And in the Christianity history in China, she would be the first mother to have 5 out of 8 children that are pastors! Considering she was a single mother!
The mother’s prayers for her children are so important and Rev Tao experienced it himself! As he has been single for a long time, Rev Tao’s mother never stopped praying for him. Her prayers are for Rev Tao to be a full time pastor and to get married. And now, as the full time Reverend of BOL the Rock, and a father of two children, Rev Tao can witness how powerful the prayer of a mother is!
Be the Mother who Disciplines her Child
To be a godly mother, we also need to discipline our children. It says in the Bible, “A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.” (Proverbs 29:15) “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” (Proverbs 13:24)
God wants us to discipline our children according to His heart, and we need to learn how to lead our next generations in the righteous path of God!
2. FOR CHILDREN:
Not only the Bible taught us how to be godly mothers but it also teaches us how to be godly children:
- “Cursed is anyone who dishonors their father or mother.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” (Deuteronomy 27:16)
- “If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”(Proverbs 20:20)
- “The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.” (Proverbs 30:17)
Listen to your Parents
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise.” (Ephesians 6:1-2)
Respect your Parents
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 5:16)
Honour your Parents
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!” (Proverbs 23:22-25)
3. FOR BOTH:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
“By setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.” (Ephesians 2:15)