Precious Things (I & II Peter)
God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ. The word "precious" means of great honor and price; of great value and privilege. Below are five of ‘the precious things of heaven’ revealed to us. 1. Our precious Saviour (I Peter 2:7). I Peter 2:7, Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, Christ is the treasure hid in a field, the pearl of great price, for which every believer has gladly sold all that he has to obtain that treasure and have that pearl. 2. His precious blood (I Peter 1:18-19). I Peter 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: The blood of Christ is precious because it is His blood, the blood of the God-man. The blood was foreordained of God as the atonement, for our sins. The blood reveals our Saviour’s love. The blood satisfies divine justice of a holy God and removes our sin. The blood secures our forgiveness, pardon, justification and eternal glory. The blood was shed for us. All these things make the blood of Christ precious. 3. The precious promises of our God (II Peter 1:4). II Peter 1:4, Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The promises of God are precious because they are God’s promises. There are mega promises hidden for us in His Word as we become familiar with it. The Bible is full of promises which give us insight and help in the issues of life. They speak of exceedingly great and precious things: pardon, peace, protection, provision, preservation, providence, and perfection. 4. Our precious faith (II Peter 1:1). II Peter 1:1, Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: The doctrine of faith, the Gospel is precious. And the grace of faith is precious, precious because it is rare. Faith in the Lord honors God and it saves the soul. The faith of Jesus Christ is precious because it makes us acceptable to God. It ushers us into the very presence of God Himself. 5. Our precious trials (I Peter 1:7). I Peter 1:7, That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Your faith is genuine and reveals your Father’s love. The trial of faith is precious because it causes your love, faith and joy in Christ to grow; causes you to enjoy and anticipate your inheritance in heaven and will give you great cause to praise and honor God in heaven. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I thank You already for what You are going to do for me. For Your Son’s promise to always be with me. Thank You for the confidence to face the uncertainties ahead because I can have confidence in You. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Today is a day when we take the time to honor the one person who unselfishly gives herself to her children time and time again, without asking for anything in return. If your life has been blessed by the touch of a godly mother, then you have enjoyed one of this world's greatest treasures and blessings. Not everyone has enjoyed this great blessing but those who have will go to their grave remembering the love of their mother. We set aside one day a year to honor mothers. Take the time today, to visit, call, text, send her some flowers, or do something to let her know that you love her and that you respect and honor her today. Mothers today are often misunderstood for someone who cooks, cleans, and takes care of the children. But a mother is a much more vital part of the family. In fact, mothers are one of the most influential people on earth! From the time children are born, they are constantly connected to their mother. They depend on their mother for food and water. They look to their mother when they are frightened or are in need. Children are dependent upon their mother for physical and emotional provisions. Think about the fact that God ordained the home for a purpose. He had a plan for each member of the family, and God has ordained the mother to be significant in the lives of her children. It’s been said, “The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.” John Wesley said, “I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” Today we honor mothers and thank them for their hard work. None of us could put a value on what our mother has taught us, or for the nurture that she's provided for us. But Salary.com recently rated her monetary worth based upon the top ten jobs in a stay-a-home-Mom's job description. They valued her contribution to the family to be $134,121.00 annually. Think back to when you were a child. Do you remember all that your mother did for you? Remember the time she made your favorite meal, or the time she cleaned off your cut when you fell off your bike, or maybe when she cheered you on at your sports game, or perhaps the time she stayed up late helping you with a school project. It has been said that a mother spends an average of 92 hours a week doing everything from being a taxi driver to being a chef! Your mother has worked hard and sacrificed a lot for you over the years. "The love of a mother is never exhausted. It never changes-it never tires-it endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world's condemnation, a mother's love still lives on." Washington Irving PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the love and sacrifice of mothers. Thank You for the strength and wisdom you have given them to fulfill their calling. In Jesus name, AMEN. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com A Virtuous Mother (Proverbs 31:10)
Proverbs 31:10, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. In Proverbs 31, we see the characteristics of a virtuous woman. She is hard working, frugal, loves her husband, puts her family first, is trustworthy and wise, and isn't a worrier. Proverbs 31 was written by a king, but taught by a mother. What she taught her son influenced a family, a nation, and the world. Although God never spoke about this king’s leadership, nor how he governed the nation, nor his prosperity. God did speak of what “his mother taught him.” The Word of God declares that a virtuous woman is a rarity (Proverbs 31:10). She is a treasure compared to being “far above rubies”. A virtuous mother is hard to find, but not impossible. In the end “she shall be praised”. She will be praised by her children and husband (Proverbs 31:28), and by her works (Proverbs 31:31). Praise the Lord for mothers who keep a close and consistent walk with the Lord. A virtuous mother is a hardworking mother. By this mother’s very actions, she displayed virtue. The Bible gives us 18 examples: seeketh and worketh (Proverbs 31:13), bringeth (Proverbs 31:14), riseth (Proverbs 31:15), considereth, buyeth, and planteth (Proverbs 31:16), girdeth and strengtheneth (Proverbs 31:17), perceiveth (Proverbs 31:18), layeth (Proverbs 31:19), stretcheth and reacheth (Proverbs 31:20), maketh (Proverbs 31:22, 24), selleth and delivereth (Proverbs 31:24), openeth (Proverbs 31:26), and looketh (Proverbs 31:27). She is recognized also for her words of wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31:26). She speaks virtuously because her heart is full of virtue. Moral goodness will not come out if there is not moral goodness inside. Our Lord, Jesus Christ spoke of this in Matthew 12:34. The Word of God reveals to us that this virtuous mother first spoke of her husband (Proverbs 31:11-12, 23, 28). A mother of virtue is submissive to her husband. A husband whose wife is virtuous is a man who is truly honored and blessed (Proverbs 12:4). Although some say the virtuous woman is unrealistic, I know several women who exemplify this passage. This passage is not a description of some unattainable goal, but a role model we should seek to follow. Abraham Lincoln recognized the value of a godly mother. He said, "No man is poor who has a godly mother." A godly mother's value is enormous. She will be a good influence on her children for the rest of their lives. Although much value is put on physical beauty, the real beauty of a woman is the inward beauty. A woman's substance and beauty are her virtue. Every mother has within her the ability to be a mother a great influence wherever she is planted in life. She plays an important role in being key to her child’s potential and prosperity in life. The lessons she teaches her children often carry into the next generation. What lessons will she teach her children? What lessons can you teach your children that will inspire them to live these lessons they have been taught? Prayer: Lord, help me to reflect Your character that I may inspire others to come to know You through Your Son Jesus Christ. Although I’m imperfect and at times inconsistent, I desire to be influential that I may impact others for You that they may inspire to do great things for You. Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Mary…Blessed and Highly Favored (Luke 1:26-28)
Luke 1:26-28, And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the LORD is with thee: blessed art thou among women. It was God’s plan from the beginning to send His only begotten Son to die on the cross for the sins of mankind (I Peter 1:19-21; Ephesians 3:9-11; Genesis 3:15). Who would be the woman God would entrust to conceive, deliver, and to raise His Son and our Saviour? What mother did He use, select, and trust? That answer is Mary. Mary stands out as one of the most, if not the most, honored woman of all time. She was one who truly loved and followed the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength from her childhood to her death. It was evident that she had a heart that was humble, teachable, submissive, obedient, and worshiping. Mary is another great example of Biblical motherhood. 1. Mother’s Sacrifice (Luke 2:41) Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. Parenting has always been a practice that demanded unseen sacrifice. It costs to have children today, but it is worth it all. Today, parents are bringing children into a fractured world with challenges the previous generations did not have to face. To put it bluntly, we are living in a godless society, that has abandoned the basic principles of life. I’ve heard people say, “I don’t know if I want to bring children into this world today”. Don’t you let this world tell you that it is too big of a job for God to give you a child and to raise them for Jesus Christ. 2. Mother’s Service (Luke 1:26-35) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (Luke 1:31) Mary was a woman who was willing to be used by the Lord. She was at the place where God could speak to her and she could be used of the Lord for a mighty work. The Lord is seeking mothers who are willing to walk with Him and surrender their will to His. If you will wait on God, seek Him, walk with Him, and be there when He visits your life, God will do something in your life. 3. Mother’s Support (John 19:25) Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother,… One of the most difficult things for a mother to endure is to see their child have to bear their cross. Bless the mothers who will stand by their child when their child is bearing their cross. The Bible teaches, other than John, all the disciples fled, but His mother was there. If you want to be a godly mother, be there for your children when everybody has forsaken them and fled. When He was mocked, spit upon, beaten, marred more than any other man, and nailed to a rugged tree, she stood by Him. This is the power of a mother’s love. A godly Biblical Christian mother will stand by their child when the entire world has turned against them. PRAYER: LORD, I want to thank You for my mother, who loved me, labored for me, and has never left me. In Jesus name, Amen. Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 2
Hebrews 11:23, By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Jochebed was an Israelite, a member of the tribe of Levi. She, and her husband Amram, were evidently very dedicated and godly people. They were willing to defy the order of Pharaoh and keep the commandments of God. Every mother needs a relationship with the Lord. Abraham Lincoln declared, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother." According to Numbers 26:59, Jochebed had three children (Miriam, Aaron, and Moses) and all were used of God. This was not by accident, but due to the fact that she was a God-fearing mother. A mother’s influence is so powerful since she is with her children in the early years. Childhood years are an influential, developmental and molding time. She poured out her life into the life of her son. Jochebed refused to give in to a godless system that would have cost her the life of her son. The world demands that parent’s hand over their children and allow them to be trained and taught the ways of the world. But children need and deserve better than that! The Bible instructs that parents will teach their children the ways of God and steer them clear of the world and its devises. It takes faith to go against the grain and raise your children for the Lord, but God will bless you, and them, for it! It’s been said that, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. Children are influenced more by their parents than most people realize. A child’s desires and dislikes are shaped early in their life as they reflect your character and integrity (Proverbs 22:6). Parent’s that train and teach their children what they are supposed to believe and how they are to live so that when they are grown, they will know what to believe and how to live. Children with no training (that are left to themselves and allowed to do whatever they please) will bring their mother to shame (Proverbs 29:15). A God-fearing mother has a strong faith in God and His Word. Hebrews 11 is considered the hall of heroes of faith. Jochebed displayed her faith in God when she obeyed God and took Him at His Word. When a person builds a house there are blue prints they must follow in order for the construction to be a success. When a baker bakes they must follow the directions according to the recipe. A mother molds the life of her child with the Word of God as it instructs her to do so. Parents, perhaps you will never know the complete impact of the child you are raising and what they may do for the Lord! Give them the best you have while you have them and turn out God fearing, God following young men and women who will live for the glory of the Lord! Young adults whom God can use for His glory out into the future. Young people who will instill the same values in their children that you have placed in them. PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while their still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN! Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 1
Hebrews 11:23, By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Here we are introduced to a woman named Jochebed. She stands out as one of the greatest mothers revealed in the pages of Scripture. Her selfless love and sacrifice made possible the exodus of God's people from Egypt and literally changed the course of history. It would do us well this morning to look at the life of this great mother. As we do, we find characteristics that stand as reminders to all of our mothers, teaching them what they should be as well. Jochebed’s name means “Jehovah glorified”, or “God’s glory”. A god fearing mother brings glory to God through her children. Not much is said about Jochebed, but what we do know is what she did for God. She brought glory to the Lord and it is seen in how her children turned out for the Lord. Jochebed’s children did some great things. Miriam was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20); Aaron was a high priest for the nation of Israel (Exodus 28:1); and Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11). The events around the life of Jochebed are found in Exodus 2:1-10. Not much is spoken about her in Scripture. But what we do find is that she was a courageous, God-fearing mother. She feared God rather than obeying the king’s commandment (Acts 5:29). Pharaoh commanded that every Hebrews son be cast into the crocodile infested Nile river. Jochebed took baby Moses and placed him in an ark of bulrushes. It took faith to place the child in the river. This was the same instrument which was being used to destroy the other babies, (Exodus 1:22). It took faith for this mother to take her hands off the life of this child and leave him to the will of God. It takes faith for us to let our children go, but that day is coming. Some parents live in denial and try to hold on to their children far too long. But the day is coming, sooner or later, when that child must be allowed to become an adult. It takes faith to just leave them in the hands of God, but the child who has a praying mother, a life filled with the Bible and training in the way of the Lord has the advantage and will do well. Jochebed was raising her son to give him to the Lord. She gave up her son to save her nation even though she didn't realize the impact that she was making at the time. According to the Bible, God gave His son for us! When He did, God knew exactly what He was doing. In fact, when Jesus came and died for our sins at Calvary, that was the greatest expression of love the world would ever see (Romans 5:8). Jochebed gave her son for Israel. God gave His Son for the world, John 3:16, II Corinthians 5:15. He died for all! He died for you! PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while they’re still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN! Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Elisabeth…A Mother Honored (Luke 1:5-7)
Luke 1:5-7, There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. When we read about the life of Elisabeth and her husband, Zacharias, we find them both " well stricken in years". However, wonderful surprises were awaiting this godly couple. God would bless Elisabeth and Zacharias and bring joy into their home through the birth of John the Baptist Both Elisabeth and Zacharias were of the priestly tribe of Levi. Zacharias, name means, "the Lord has remembered," and Elisabeth’s name means, "my God has remembered." Both Zacharias and Elisabeth were "righteous in the sight of God." They had a personal faith in God and sought to follow Him every day. They walked with God, following all His commandments and ordinances. Elisabeth was barren. She had no children and had no hope of having any children because both she and her husband were “well stricken in years.” Most likely, at least sixty years of age. In their day, sixty was considered the beginning of agedness, and they were likely well past that. God is never late, nor is He ever too early. He is always on time, working according to His timing that is always perfect. God promised them a son and would deliver the promise through His messenger the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:11-13). God promised that at the birth of John, Zacharias and Elisabeth would experience great joy and gladness and many would join them in their rejoicing (Luke 1:14, 58). When Elisabeth visited Mary, “the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost” (Luke 1:41). The Holy Spirit does not fill rebels or renegades. He fills those whose desires are only to please God. Elisabeth would, in fact, bear a son (Luke 1:57) and they were to name him John (John 1:13, 60), a name that means "The Lord has been gracious", or "to whom the Lord is gracious." Luke 1:80, And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. Zacharias and Elisabeth raised John for a time. Their faith, their prayers, and the things God had taught them doubtless touched John. That, coupled with the touch of God on his life, helped him become strong in spirit. Luke 7:28, For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. What an honor to John and to his mother, Elisabeth, for Christ to say this! Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I praise You and exalt You as the Lord of Life. Thank You that Your timing is always right even when I want You to hurry up. Thank You that You do not bow to my schedule. Thank You that when You say "No" to my request, You are really saying "Yes" to Your best in my life. You are working out Your will. May I learn to trust You as I wait on Your best. I love You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Eunice…A Teaching Mother (II Timothy 3:14-15) – PART 2
II Timothy 3:14-15, But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Eunice did not wait until her child was older to teach him the Bible, but from a child she made them known to him. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 gives parents the command of how they should give their children Scripture at a young age. The Bible commands us to “teach them diligently unto thy children.” This was to be done in six ways. 1. “Thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house.” Perhaps the most basic opportunity is when the entire family sits down together for at least one meal a day. 2. Likewise, we are commanded to talk of God’s words “when thou walkest by the way,” in other words, when we travel. 3. Parents are commanded to teach God’s words “when thou liest down” (bedtime). 4. “when thou risest up” (in the morning). Moses repeatedly refers to God’s Words (plural). 5. God through Moses commanded that Israel was to “bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Perhaps the greater idea is how one will tie a string around their finger as a reminder to do something. God’s Word was to be a continual reminder. 6. Finally, Israel was to “write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Plaques of Scripture were to be placed on the walls and doorways of the homes of godly people. For the Scripture to get a child’s heart (Deuteronomy 6:6), we must teach it, we must talk of it, and we must write it. In other words, what they see and hear will become a part of them. It takes external teaching to make an internal change. Scripture does something for a child that a parent cannot. Scripture is God breathed and is from God and can transform a child’s life. Eunice’s teaching of the Scriptures to Timothy played a part in his salvation, II Timothy 3:15. We should use every opportunity to teach children the Bible. Encourage children while their young to memorize Scriptures, particularly the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is clearly written to young people (Proverbs 1:4). What you put in a boy will come out in the man. Timothy was a man of God because as a child he was taught the Word of God by his mother. All children have the same habit, and that is the tendency to copy (Proverbs 23:26). Be genuine in your love God for God and His Word, and your children will copy your actions. PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for our children. We can trust You with their lives, and ask the strength of Your Holy Spirit to help us lead them to doing Your will. Each child was created on purpose with purpose. We ask You to help us trust You more. Bless our hearts with great faith, daily steps of obedience, and lives full of evident trust in Your love. In Jesus name, Amen. Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Eunice…A Teaching Mother (II Timothy 1:5) – PART 1
II Timothy 1:5, When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. I think of a young man who grew up in a home without a Christian father (no mention of his father), but with a godly mother and a godly grandmother; and this young man became a major influence for the cause of Jesus Christ in the first century. His name was Timothy. How did a little boy from the city of Lystra, a mystical place given over to idol worship, develop into such a great leader for the cause of Jesus Christ? He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. There had been three generations of genuine faith in Timothy’s family: first, his grandmother Lois; then his mother Eunice; and now finally Timothy himself. What made this mother stand out were her qualities in her own life that she passed down to her son. Eunice’s husband is not mentioned by name in the Scripture. Eunice was a Jewess, and believed; but his (Timothy) father was Greek. This suggests Timothy’s father was probably an unbeliever. The story of Eunice and Timothy gives hope to one parent homes or couples who are unequally yoked. What good things about Timothy can be attributed to the training of his mother! In Acts 16:1-3, Timothy is called a disciple, well reported of by the brethren, and desired by the Apostle Paul on his journeys. Even Paul recognized the influence of Timothy’s mother in II Timothy 1:5. Materialism and wealth cannot compare to a child growing up to serve God and honor his parents. The name that Eunice gave Timothy showed her desire for Timothy, as his name means “dear to God”. What a person does is greatly due to what his parents taught him. Paul said to Timothy that what he would remember most about Timothy’s mother was that the faith she had was genuine. The word “unfeigned” means undissembled, sincere, or without hypocrisy. A child who grows up with a parent who takes seriously the things of God has ingrained in them a faith that will last their lifetime. A child’s convictions and what they believe are shaped by the child’s parents. Often when a parent says, “I want my children to choose their own way”, they have already chosen it for them. A teaching mother will train her children in the things of God, but more importantly will live them. Eunice’s faith was portrayed in her life because of a heart that believed in God. You can’t help but teach what you truly believe. Sure, Timothy learned from Paul and others, but his foundation was under the influence of his mother Eunice. Paul tells us that Timothy had a real, living faith in his heart. He had more than just a profession of faith; he had an active faith. PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my parents who love and care for me. May I honor them and show my love and care for them for the many sacrifices they have made in my life. In Jesus name, Amen. Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Eve: The First Mother (Genesis 4:25-26) – PART 2
Genesis 4:25-26, And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. The first woman-wife-mother carried a lot on her shoulders—Yet she found hope in the same promised Seed that we all look too. Eve was created in God’s image just like Adam (Genesis 1:27). She was his equal, yet she had a different role than her husband. God made Eve to be a “help meet for him (Genesis 2:18)”. Adam and Eve lived in the garden of Eden in perfect harmony. It may be hard for us to imagine today but in the beginning, their marriage was perfect - no disagreements, no harsh words, no comparisons. Eve didn’t hear about “how great a cook Adam’s mother was” and Adam didn’t have to hear about “how much money Eve’s father made”. In Genesis 4, Adam and Eve’s children were grown and Eve had experienced the horror of her oldest son murdering his younger brother. What another huge blow this first mother faced. However, God blessed yet again and gave this first family another son (Genesis 4:25). Eve's final recorded words in Scripture are in (Genesis 4:25). Her words are words of hope and praise as she thanks God for Seth. She said, "God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel." Again, her naming of Seth indicates hope. Seth was not the Promised One, but the Promised Seed Jesus Christ would come through the line of Seth. She believed that he would be the promised Seed. The name Seth means substituted, set, or appointed; in this case another seed. Seth would take the place of Abel and be in the line of Christ. When Seth married, he had a son and named him Enos which means mortal man or frailty. The Bible says that men then began to call upon the name of the Lord. The word call in the Hebrew means to call out by name or proclaim. Revival of the need for God was breaking out as man realized how frail he was and that he did need the Lord in his life. Seth, the substitute, was one of four substitutes in Genesis. NOTICE: With Seth’s line “then began men to call upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26)”. I believe Eve, through the naming of her sons, showed that she believed God’s Word and was looking forward to the Promised Seed. Eve displayed her hope in God’s promised Seed through the naming of her sons. She was looking forward to Christ and the destruction of sin and despair that Adam’s sin had brought upon the world. Just as Eve did nearly 6,000 years ago, we too have a choice concerning our own legacies. Will we choose to be like Eve at the Fall and not obey God’s Word, which leads to a legacy of sin and despair? Or will we choose to be like Eve when she named her sons and evidenced hope in the Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came to save us? The importance of choosing the right legacy becomes especially relevant to women with respect to the teaching of our children. Whether those children are biological or spiritual, our legacy affects them. PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, that You are my Father. Thank You that You love me and want what’s best for me and for my family. I pray that godly mothers would continue to fear You and serve You. That they would keep their eyes and heart focused on You. In Jesus’s name. Amen. Please visit this webpage again tomorrow for another devotion from: Great Mothers of the Bible Series If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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