If it’s true that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, then it is certainly true that the stability of that hand determines the quality of the world. In most cases that affirming touch comes from the hand of a godly mother. The Bible gives us great moms to imitate. Let’s examine the faith of the mother of Moses’ and the qualities she possessed and instilled in her children. Amram and Jochebed were the parents of Moses. The Egyptian Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew males were to be thrown in the Nile. The Egyptians were using forced population control (execution) to keep the Jews enslaved and controllable. Hebrews 11:23 tells us that Moses’ parents were not afraid of Pharaoh’s edict. Notice three outstanding traits of Amram and Jochebed. 1. Actions prompted by faith “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” – Hebrews 11:23 Their parenting was based on faith in God. They hid Moses not only because of parental love, but also because they had faith in God. Are our parental decisions and actions based on expediency or faith? 2. Civil disobedience “Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: ‘Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’” – Exodus 1:22 The call of Scripture is clear. We are to obey our government and its law. The exception is when it calls us to disobey God and/or violate our conscience. Jochebed refused to obey Pharaoh’s decree. Perhaps she learned from the example of the Hebrew midwives. The Egyptian government insisted that the midwives execute the males and let the females live. The midwives feared God and let the boys live (putting their own lives at risk). God was pleased with their determination to obey him over governmental authorities and so he blessed them with children of their own. We live in a humanistic culture that continues to grow in its disregard for Christian faith. We must instill in our hearts and in our children that God’s Word is the ultimate authority and must be followed despite and perhaps even in opposition to cultural norms and government law and regulation. 3. Belief in the providence of God “But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.” – Exodus 2:3-4 When Moses was too small to hide, Jochebed prepared a basket and set Moses afloat in the Nile River. She sent Miriam to watch and see what would happen. We’re familiar with the story. A daughter of Pharaoh discovers Moses, saves his life, and then actually pays Jochebed to nurse the child until he is old enough to be raised in the household of Pharaoh. Jochebed is a worthy example of someone who believed that the work of God would triumph if she just put God first, in beliefs and actions. This example of faith would be duplicated in their children. Moses, with his brother, Aaron acting as his chief spokesman, would help lead the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt. Even Miriam plays a prominent role as Micah 6:4 tells us, “I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam.” We underestimate the defining role of parents and certainly the role of moms. Faith demonstrated in parenting will impact families, influence culture, and have reverberations that will be felt for generations. In light of this, let’s take the time today to express thanks to mothers who have helped instill faith and convictions in each of our lives. To learn more about the power of godly parenting, get a copy of The Tender Years—Parenting Preschoolers by Geri Laing and Elizabeth Laing Thompson at the DT Media Store.