SUNDAY May 14, 2017

Mother’s Day

What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. - Proverbs 31:2-3

Proverbs 31 begins with a mother’s wise advice to her son King Lemuel. Many theologians believe this to be Bathsheba who spoke with her son Solomon, the next king of Israel, after the death of his father, King David.  However, we do not know for sure. She told her son about the dangers of wayward women and wine. She taught the young king not to spend his strength on sensual lusts or to waste his time drinking and getting drunk. As a monarch he would become a bad witness to his people.

Lemuel’s mother also reminded him of his responsibilities to rightly oversee the people. The king was exalted to this privileged position by God. Therefore, he must champion the cause of justice and have a good moral witness. What a great mother. She gave her son wise counsel.

What about the mothers God has given to us? A mother will spend a great deal of their time and effort giving their children godly advice. But do their children listen? Think about the endless hours mothers have spent before the Lord in prayer, tears, and fasting for each of their children. All mothers want their children to succeed in life. They desire blessings to be given to them from the Lord as they chose to live a holy life before Him.

Proverbs 31 continues to describe an industrious wife and mother, one who is not idle, but busy, tending to the needs of her husband, children and even reaching out to the poor and needy. May we honor our mothers today, and in some special way, thank them for all they do.

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.
~George Washington~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!