May 9, 2020 Sermon Review
1 Kings 3:16-28; Proverbs 3:25-30
Introduction
Some of you may be familiar with the story of the mother who, totally unaware that her child was playing in the driveway of their home, accidentally backed her car onto her unsuspecting child who was no more than three or four years of age. When the mother discovered the horror of what had taken place, she quickly exited her vehicle and began to cry out for help. Because there was no one to come to her aid, the frightened mother, who was extremely small in stature, proceeded to lift the 3,000 lb. vehicle from off her child, and in doing so, saved her child’s life. According to a November 10, 2010 article in the magazine Psychology Today, this display of “stealth superpowers” is the result of what is referred to as the “fear response.” Although this may be the case, I would like to attribute it to another factor, which I call, “The Strength of A Mother.” Today, as we pause to reflect upon one of God’s greatest gifts, we shall take a look at a mother who exercised super human strength, not in her ability to lift heavy weight, but in her willingness to embrace a heavy heart.
- ▪ Scripture is replete with examples of godly women who demonstrated their amazing strength, not simply through their physical abilities or through their power to rule, which is how many in our culture today view strength, but through their willingness to display the character of God in the life of their homes with their families as well as throughout their communities. Proverbs 31:16-30; Titus 2:3-5
- ▪ Although for many this story is about the strength of wisdom possessed by that of the wise man Solomon, the demonstration of strength, in my opinion, was not that which was exercised by Solomon, rather it was
demonstrated by that of an unnamed, unrecognized mother, who through her decision to divorce herself of her newborn child, reveals to us the greatest strength the world has ever known which is that of a mother’s love. 1 Kings 3:16-28; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Conclusion
A godly woman is not a woman who lives her life with perfection, but it is one who lives her life with purpose, diligence, forgiveness and repentance. Although any woman may possess these qualities, they can best be seen and demonstrated in the life of a godly mother, who through her strength allows the world to see a glimpse of the love of God.
Question for Reflection
Can you think of a powerful demonstration of strength, whether physical or emotional that you witnessed firsthand in the life of your mother or someone you know who is a mother, that had and possibly continues to have a profound impact on your life? What was it about that moment that made it memorable for you?
Quote of the Week
“When Eve was brought unto Adam, he became filled with the Holy Spirit, and gave her the most sanctified, the most glorious of appellations. He called her Eve, that is to say, the Mother of All. He did not style her wife, but simply mother, mother of all living creatures. In this consists the glory and the most precious ornament of woman.” ~ Martin Luther
“A mother’s love is something that no one can explain — It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain. It is endless and unselfish and enduring, come what may, for nothing can destroy it or take that love away. It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, and it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking.” – Helen Steiner Rice