One of the most familiar narratives in the Bible is that in which Solomon was called upon to determine who was the true mother of a child.
Solomon would be the last king to rule over all the tribes, for his son, Rehoboam, would so govern that ten of the tribes formed their own nation [See 1 Kings 12]. Early in his reign, he sought to be a good king, but he took multiple wives, some from nations with whom he sought peaceful relations. Unfortunately, idolatry was brought in with the “peace” and Solomon learned some lessons the hard way.
In 1 Kings 3, Solomon sought the wisdom he needed to govern his people. It did not take long for him to have opportunity to use it, for two women [some believe they were cult prostitutes brought in with the worship of idols] brought a dead child and a living child to Solomon. Both women claimed the living child as their own, and Solomon had to decide. He appealed to the instincts of a mother’s love, thus exhibiting his wisdom and solving the problem.
A mother’s love is amazing in its willingness to go beyond the “call of duty” to care for her child. Even to the extent of risking her own life, the child need not fear, for mother will protect and care for her offspring. Whatever it takes!
LOVE
One word describes the motive behind a mother’s love. The love we read about in the Bible, the kind that looks to the best interests of the object of that love, in this case, a child. This is the same kind of love God has for His children, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10, 19. Who has not seen a mother give her children the best cuts of meat, the last piece of pie, and even go without, if necessary, to give her children what they want and need?
Have you ever awakened to see your mother sitting in a chair with her head resting on your bed? Mothers put their children on their knees to teach them about God. Mothers love their children! Fathers do, too, but there is something very special about a mother’s love.
DISCIPLINE
It’s a wonder I still have both ears, for my mother made her way to the back of the church building more than once, indelicately pulling me by one of my ears.
She had a very distinctive cough that she used to get my attention as I sat with the rest of the young people. When I heard it, I knew I’d better shape up. Yes, discipline – part of her way of expressing her love for me. I am grateful now for the fact that she disciplined me!
Mothers have been loving their children by “discipline” for years, and we are better for it.
WISDOM
Wisdom can be a gift from above, James 1:5, and that gift often comes by means of the experiences of life.
Giving birth to us reminded her that most of the blessings of life are found right in the midst of struggle, pain and opposition.
Having learned that, mothers give us the benefit of that wisdom if we will but listen. She has seen joy, failure, affection, resistance, victory and defeat, but she gives us the benefit of what she has learned. If we are the least bit wise we will hear what she has to say, for her wisdom and love have heaven as their origin.
TRAINING
Who taught you how to tie your shoes? Who read Bible stories to you? Chances are, it was your mother. Who taught you to pray? How to eat the right things? How to make you bed and brush your teeth? You don’t remember? If you can, ask her. If you can’t ask her because she is gone, take it from me, the answer to many of these questions is “mother.”
If your mother is still living, tell her how much you love her and appreciate all she did for you. It will be the best “Mother’s Day present” you can give. Better than flowers. Better than candy. Better than a picture or a pillow or a sweater.
There are dozens of questions I would like to ask my mother, but she can no longer answer them. Don’t waste another day, for their days are numbered just like yours. Seeing you will be the best medicine for her aches and pains.
Solomon used good thinking when he solved the issue between those two mothers. Mothers, what do you want your children to remember about you? What you do and teach today, both by words and by example, will be what they recall in the years to come. Thank you, God, for godly mothers!
