Faith, Sacrifice, and Trusting God with Our Children
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the story of Moses' mother, Jochebed, from Exodus 2. This narrative is a powerful testament to faith, sacrifice, and God's providence. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, was intimidated by the growing number and strength of the Israelites. In an attempt to suppress them, he ordered the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys. However, Jochebed, a woman of immense faith, saw her son Moses as special and hid him for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she waterproofed a basket and placed him among the reeds along the Nile River, entrusting his fate to God ([02:32]).
Pharaoh's daughter discovered Moses while bathing in the river. Moved by compassion, she decided to raise him as her own, unknowingly setting the stage for Moses to become the deliverer of the Israelites. This act of compassion by Pharaoh's daughter is a reminder that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, even those who might seem unlikely ([03:59]).
Parents, we are called to see our children as special and to protect them. In today's world, where children have unprecedented access to information through devices, it is crucial to monitor and guide their interactions. This responsibility is not about being overly controlling but about ensuring their safety and spiritual growth. We must be vigilant and proactive in protecting our children from harmful influences ([08:20]).
Next, we must reinforce our children, much like Jochebed reinforced the basket with tar and pitch. This reinforcement comes through teaching them the Word of God, involving them in worship, and surrounding them with a supportive church family. Our lives should be examples of faith and resilience, providing a strong foundation for our children to build upon ([14:23]).
As our children grow, we must learn to let go and trust God with their future. This is one of the hardest things for parents to do, but it is essential. We must allow our children to experience life, make mistakes, and learn from them. This process of letting go is a testament to our faith in God's plan for their lives ([16:00]).
Next-generation leaders in our church play a vital role in guiding our children. They must carry compassion and never contempt for the younger generation. These leaders are instrumental in shaping the spiritual lives of our children, often seeing and addressing their struggles in ways parents might not. It is crucial for these leaders to be passionate followers of Christ, setting an example for our children to follow ([19:12]).
The church family also has a significant role in guiding the next generation. We must be like the older sister in the story of Moses, ready to step in and support our children. This collective effort ensures that our children are surrounded by a community that loves and guides them in the ways of the Lord ([23:32]).
Our sacrifices today will lead to future glory. Jochebed's sacrifice of giving up Moses not once but twice, and the princess's decision to raise a Hebrew child, were acts of faith that led to the deliverance of the Israelites. These sacrifices remind us that our efforts and sacrifices for the next generation are not in vain. They pave the way for God's glory to manifest in their lives ([27:46]).
In conclusion, we must be ready to let go of what is already God's. Whether it is our children, our lives, or our fears, surrendering to God allows His glory to shine through. Today, I encourage you to trust God with your sacrifices and watch as He turns them into something greater than you could ever imagine ([37:02]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Adversity: Jochebed's story teaches us the importance of faith in the face of adversity. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, she saw her son as special and took extraordinary measures to protect him. This act of faith set the stage for Moses to become the deliverer of the Israelites. Trusting God in difficult times can lead to miraculous outcomes. [02:32]
2. Parental Responsibility: Parents are called to see their children as special and to protect them from harmful influences. In today's digital age, this means being vigilant about their online activities and guiding them spiritually. This responsibility is not about control but about ensuring their safety and growth in faith. [08:20]
3. Reinforcement Through Faith: Just as Jochebed reinforced the basket with tar and pitch, parents must reinforce their children with the Word of God, worship, and a supportive church community. Our lives should be examples of faith and resilience, providing a strong foundation for our children to build upon. [14:23]
4. Letting Go and Trusting God: As children grow, parents must learn to let go and trust God with their future. This process is challenging but essential for their development. Allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them is a testament to our faith in God's plan for their lives. [16:00]
5. Community Support: The church family plays a crucial role in guiding the next generation. Like the older sister in Moses' story, we must be ready to step in and support our children. This collective effort ensures that our children are surrounded by a loving and guiding community, leading them in the ways of the Lord. [23:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00:00] - Welcome
[0:02:32] - Introduction to Jochebed's Story
[0:03:59] - Pharaoh's Daughter's Compassion
[0:08:20] - Parental Responsibility
[0:14:23] - Reinforcement Through Faith
[0:16:00] - Letting Go and Trusting God
[0:19:12] - Role of Next-Gen Leaders
[0:23:32] - Church Family's Role
[0:27:46] - Sacrifices Leading to Glory
[0:37:02] - Surrendering to God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 2:1-10: "About this time, a man and a woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. The baby's sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him. Soon Pharaoh's daughter came down to bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. When the princess opened it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. 'This must be one of the Hebrew children,' she said. Then the baby's sister approached the princess. 'Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?' she asked. 'Yes, do,' the princess replied. So the girl went and called the baby's mother. 'Take this baby and nurse him for me,' the princess told the baby's mother. 'I will pay you for your help.' So the woman took her baby home and nursed him. Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, 'I lifted him out of the water.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jochebed take to protect her son Moses from Pharaoh's decree? ([02:32])
2. How did Pharaoh's daughter respond when she found Moses in the basket? ([03:59])
3. What role did Moses' sister play in ensuring his safety and care? ([03:59])
4. How did Jochebed's faith and actions set the stage for Moses' future role in delivering the Israelites? ([02:32])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jochebed's story teach us about the importance of faith in the face of adversity? ([02:32])
2. How can parents today apply the principle of protecting their children from harmful influences, as Jochebed did for Moses? ([11:23])
3. In what ways can the church family act like Moses' sister, stepping in to support and guide the next generation? ([23:32])
4. How does the story of Moses illustrate the concept of God using unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes? ([03:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God in a difficult situation. How did your faith impact the outcome? ([02:32])
2. As a parent, what practical steps can you take to monitor and guide your children's interactions with the digital world? ([11:23])
3. How can you reinforce your children's faith through daily practices and involvement in the church community? ([14:23])
4. What are some ways you can begin to let go and trust God with your children's future, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them? ([16:00])
5. Identify a next-generation leader in your church. How can you support and encourage them in their role? ([19:12])
6. Think of a child or young person in your church community. How can you act as a supportive "older sister" to them, guiding them in their faith journey? ([23:32])
7. Reflect on a sacrifice you have made for the next generation. How have you seen God use that sacrifice for His glory? ([27:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Adversity
Jochebed's story is a powerful example of faith in the face of overwhelming adversity. Despite Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, Jochebed saw her son Moses as special and took extraordinary measures to protect him. She hid him for three months and then placed him in a waterproofed basket among the reeds of the Nile River, entrusting his fate to God. This act of faith set the stage for Moses to become the deliverer of the Israelites. Trusting God in difficult times can lead to miraculous outcomes. Jochebed's faith reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God's providence is at work, and our trust in Him can lead to extraordinary results.
[02:32]
Exodus 2:3-4 (ESV): "When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you entrust this situation to God, believing that He can bring about a miraculous outcome?
Day 2: Parental Responsibility
Parents are called to see their children as special and to protect them from harmful influences. In today's digital age, this means being vigilant about their online activities and guiding them spiritually. This responsibility is not about control but about ensuring their safety and growth in faith. Just as Jochebed took extraordinary measures to protect Moses, parents today must be proactive in safeguarding their children from the dangers of the digital world. This involves monitoring their interactions, setting boundaries, and providing spiritual guidance to help them navigate the complexities of modern life.
[08:20]
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV): "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to better protect and guide your children in their online activities and spiritual growth?
Day 3: Reinforcement Through Faith
Just as Jochebed reinforced the basket with tar and pitch, parents must reinforce their children with the Word of God, worship, and a supportive church community. Our lives should be examples of faith and resilience, providing a strong foundation for our children to build upon. This reinforcement is crucial in helping children develop a strong spiritual foundation that will sustain them throughout their lives. By immersing them in the teachings of the Bible, involving them in worship, and surrounding them with a loving church family, we can help them grow into faithful and resilient individuals.
[14:23]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's Word, worship, and community support into your children's daily lives?
Day 4: Letting Go and Trusting God
As children grow, parents must learn to let go and trust God with their future. This process is challenging but essential for their development. Allowing children to make mistakes and learn from them is a testament to our faith in God's plan for their lives. Just as Jochebed had to let go of Moses and trust God with his future, parents today must also learn to release their children into God's hands, believing that He has a purpose and plan for their lives. This act of letting go is a profound expression of faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
[16:00]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: What is one area of your child's life where you need to let go and trust God more fully? How can you begin to release control and trust in God's plan for them today?
Day 5: Community Support
The church family plays a crucial role in guiding the next generation. Like the older sister in Moses' story, we must be ready to step in and support our children. This collective effort ensures that our children are surrounded by a loving and guiding community, leading them in the ways of the Lord. The church community provides a network of support, encouragement, and accountability that is essential for the spiritual growth of our children. By actively participating in the life of the church and fostering relationships within the community, we can help our children develop a strong and vibrant faith.
[23:32]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you and your family become more involved in your church community to support the spiritual growth of your children? What specific steps can you take this week to foster these connections?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Look at God. Look at God. See, they were meant to be destroyed. Look at God. And this is what God does over and over in the Bible, is he takes what is meant for destruction and turns it into destiny. And see, this message today is not just for the moms. It's not just for the women. It's for everyone, because all of us should have an interest, an investment, an imagination of what's possible for the next generation when they love and obey God. All of us should know that the God who resides in us is greater than the enemy's plots, ploys, or pleas." [05:13]
2. "See, the world would have you think that our future generation is not poised for God's glory. See, our world would have you believe that the future generations are doomed. The world, if you watch the news or social media, whatever it is, they would have you think that the generations coming have it the worst, that they cannot overcome the challenges of today. But I'm going to share with you today, people of God, we have a different story. We can see a God who's going to do great things." [08:20]
3. "When we release back to God what is already his, he will return to us exceedingly abundantly more than we have ever asked for. Today, if you are wanting to experience God's glory, you have to be ready to let go of what already is his. It may be your kids. It may be your very own life. It might be a job. It could be something that's haunting you. Whatever it is, God is asking you to give it to him, and he will return glory for it." [37:02]
4. "See, what the enemy tries to use to destroy the next generation, God will use to save the next generation. The Hebrew people faced generations full of oppression, long-suffering death, slavery to their enemy. And God saw their desperation, and from the reeds of the river, put together a series of events that would cause this baby boy to become the leader of the Israelites, taking them from oppression into freedom." [06:52]
5. "Your sacrifice today will lead you to his great glory. Please enjoy this dance. Thank you, Jesus. There is glory all around us. See, he went into the river, into the water, a Hebrew baby boy, and he came out of the water as a prince. If you've ever been baptized, water baptized, you know the significance of water. It's a symbol of God's mighty power." [29:13]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Parents, we need to look at our kids and see them. Now we all think our baby is the best looking baby when they are born or not, but we need to continue to see them as that very precious baby that they were. We need to see them for all the potential that is inside of them. See, when you wake up in the morning and you greet your children, you should be the first one to tell them, hey, you are worth it." [11:23]
2. "Next-gen leaders, I'm talking about the leaders in this house that served our zero to 18 year olds. You are our next-gen leaders. If you're in the house and you are one of those leaders, would you just lift up your hand today and you serve kids? Yes, thank you to every one of you. Our next-gen leaders are one of those leaders who are going to serve the next-gen leaders. This is one of the most vital places of serving in our church. We must have an army of next-gen leaders." [19:12]
3. "We must carry compassion, never contempt for the next generation. See, Pharaoh's daughter looked at the baby and he was crying and she felt sorry for him. See, our next-gen leaders are going to see our children in ways that we may not experience them. They will probably see as they get older more of their hurts, more of the things that they're struggling with. Look, they may be talking about us parents to your next-gen leaders and that's okay." [19:12]
4. "Parents, we must reinforce our children. We must train them up. We add to what they already are. We use the word of God, worship, church family, relationships, whatever we can get our hands on to begin to add the tar to the basket so that when we send them out to the river they are waterproof." [14:23]
5. "Our sacrifices will lead to future glory. Verse 10, later when the boy was older, his mom brought him back to Pharaoh's daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, I lifted him out of the water. Now we always read that and you hear the mostly is like she gave her baby away and the princess picked him up. But something that caught me again when I read this was that she gave him away not once, but two times." [27:46]
6. "Church family, we are called to guide the next generation. It says in verse seven, then the baby's sister approached the princess. Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby? She asked. Yes, do the princess said. So the girl went and called the baby's mother. See church family, even if you are not a next-gen leader, there is a place for you." [23:32]
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