Devotion: Mothers
Mothers
Mother’s Day is certainly an appropriate time to remember that the first people to see and talk to Jesus after His resurrection were women. How cool is it that the entire basis of our Christian faith is traced back to the witness of two women? The Bible is full of strong women being called by God to be leaders and point to Him. And much like the two Marys were put in charge of spreading Jesus’s good news, God places moms in charge of demonstrating God’s love here on earth.
I’m blessed to have a wonderful mother and mother-in-law, as well as grandmas, grandmas-in-law, and aunts who all, in their own ways, show me Godly love and faithfulness. These women love unconditionally and show compassion, affection and care in a way that is beyond what would be possible without God. This supernatural love mothers and mother figures demonstrate makes Mother’s Day a very spiritual holiday. In addition to being a day to specifically honor moms, it is also a day to think about the women God puts in our lives to be examples of the love He has for all of us.
Not everyone has been blessed with mothers and strong women in their lives. Some have mothers who weren’t there for various reasons, or who failed to show the holy, unconditional love of God. For some, Mother’s Day may be difficult and emotional, and they could even feel left out. While moms may be the best earthly example of God’s perfect love, any of us can point to God in that way. I believe those of us who have been blessed by compassionate mothers and mother figures have a responsibility to not just accept that love, but to learn from it and show it to others, especially to those who lack it from a mother. We can all learn how to love like God through the amazing mothers and mother figures of the world.
Holy God, thank you so much for the blessing of moms. Help us remember that moms aren’t just gifts, but examples to follow. Be with all mothers, including those who have lost children. And be with those who have lost mothers to death or distance, or who struggle with infertility. Give them comfort on a day that is joyful for so many, but difficult for them.
Amen.
Written by Preston Thiemann
Preston Thiemann and his wife, Rachel, live here in Lincoln. He is the Web Content Coordinator for the ASEM Marketing team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he’s worked since April 2015. At Sheridan, he also plays guitar on the Praise Band and is active in Sheridan’s 20s & 30s ministry, Second Quarter. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with friends.
Matthew 28:1-10
The Resurrection of Jesus
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”