Mom - A Reflection of God

Often times we will say that someone bears a “family resemblance” to a certain family member or particular family trait. In essence we are saying that we see in them a reflection that reminds us of someone or something else. Paul said the same thing to Timothy when he wrote to him in II Timothy 1:5 stating: "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." He was in essence saying, “Timothy, your faith reflects your Mom & Grandma…and you know how close to God they were…keep up the good work!” As I pondered over that passage with Mother’s Day in mind, God revealed to me through His Word three reflections of Himself in Christian mothers.

1. A Mother reflects God in her love for her children

The saying, “A face only a mother could love,” I’m almost positive had to come from Proverbs 4:3: "For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother." But here God gives us a powerful if not poignant truth…Mom’s love (action verb)!!! Mom’s love unconditionally, unabashedly, without reserve, completely and entirely. Now I do realize that there are some special cases where, in the sin-cursed world that we live in, a mother may commit an act unthinkable and unnatural. But I do believe that most people would agree that there’s nothing you can compare with a mother’s love. Except for one other love…God’s. In Isaiah 49:15, God uses the strength of a mother’s love for her child to express His love for His people. But then He takes it a step further…and He enters territory that no other love can claim. He states that His love is superior to the love of a mother. That it is unfailing and unforgotten. Wow. What an awesome, Divine love. And what an incredible reflection of that endless love we have in our mothers.

2. A Mother reflects God in her prayers for her children

A mother’s reflection of God may start with love, but it certainly doesn’t end there. A Christian mother (and even some un-Christian mothers) reflects God in her prayers for her children. Hannah gives us an incredible picture of this in I Samuel 1:11, as she pours her broken heart out to God, begging Him to give her the gift of motherhood. As if her brokenness isn’t enough, she makes a vow that would make most mothers’ cringe. She tells God if He will but give her the privilege of being a mother, she will return her son to his rightful Owner and Creator for service. (Let me give a parenthetical to mom’s here. Please remember that according to Scripture your child is a gift from God [Genesis 30:2, Psalm 127:3]. You ought to pray as strongly for your child to be holy and you do for him or her to be healthy.) This is such a mirror of God’s prayer for our life that the reflection can’t be missed. Notice in I Samuel 1:12-15 that Hannah’s prayer was not an audible one, but rather spoken with words which could not be uttered except for in her spirit. Roman’s 8:26-27 teaches us that the Spirit makes intercession for us to God with “groanings which cannot be uttered.” God prays for us! Just like Christ prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail, He also promised to pray for all those that God had given Him (Luke 22:32, John 17:9).

3. A Mother reflects God in the joy she finds in her children

Lastly, a mother rejoices when her children find and walk in truth and righteousness (Proverbs 23:25, III John 1:4). There is simply no arguing the point that when a child walks responsibly a mother feels her heart flood with joy. God also finds joy in the ways of His children when those ways please Him. He delights in our obedience (1Samuel 15:22), He delights us in being in His presence (Psalm 16:11), and He marvels and delights in our faith in Him (Matthew 8:10).

Now, I do realize that there may be those who are skeptical of this. Simply put, they (maybe you) don’t always see God in their (your) mom. Can I respond to that with a challenge? If you are having difficulty seeing God in your mom, why don’t you try letting your mom see God in you? The attitude you have toward your mom (young or old) will either reflect the love of God through you to her and others, or detract from the testimony of the love of God in you by selfishly keeping that love to yourself. The choice is yours.