As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Motherhood is enemy of power – being big and mighty – in the world. The world is a brutal place. To get glory and honor, you must take it, demand it and fight for it. But motherhood is not a powerful position – it is one of weakness and tenderness.
Few girls dream of sacrificing everything to be mothers—but God has created women for this purpose. Many fight against it, but God’s call and design shine forth. God blesses women in His holy institution of marriage. He chooses mothers, making it a holy calling. There is real, divine power in heeding God’s call to be a mother, trusting His loving will in Christ.
Mothers care for weakest – and also must be weak. This not shameful, even though it requires sacrifice in the world’s arena of might. The power of women to bring forth life subjects them to weaknesses and dangers. Mothers carry the most fragile life, children at the most tender age, and bring comfort. Mothers teach us to be people – they humanize us, whereas suffering in the harsh world harden us and tempts us to be animals without compassion or sympathy or devotion. Mothers were made to do this, so we honor women and wives and girls – respecting God’s potential call. It is a holy calling to be a woman.
It may not seem like a big deal to be a mother. But being a mother is greater and more powerful than a president or business leader – because mothers have more influence over making adults – all of them – from their most fragile and tiny state. To bring forth life is good and is not possible with a mother’s sacrifice. Life is no accident or mistake, it is precious and patterned after our Maker. We were made for holiness. Don’t let humanity’s weakness or sin fool you.
We honor mothers because Christ does, by making them. The world despises feminine virtues, humble submission, God’s design for marriage and the family. But we do not see shame, we see love, purity, holiness in submission to God’s call. The Lord’s will defines what is holy—not what is easy, popular, or well-paying.
Women who want to be men must control and subvert God’s creation. Because there is real passiveness in being a mother – being mother not a choice. The world thinks they have the power over life—that they can choose a baby. But no one decides to be a father or mother – it is God’s decision, not ours. We don’t create life—you are a god–life is not from your will, but the Lord’s. That makes motherhood a divine calling, and removes the burden choosing our own sinful path. Look to where God has placed you, and be content with His call.
The power of the Christian is not in what we do or in the praise of men. Our power is faith to trust and serve the Author of Life, knowing you have no control, nor need it. This is our freedom to love and to sacrifice ourselves for others. To trust the Author of life and submit in love to His will.
Mothers participate in the human life which is cursed. They are connected to an unborn child, becoming a source of nourishment and protection. No mother can have a baby without sacrificing her own body, the first cradle of life. But we can only love life when we know God’s redeeming love for our life, His precious call in Baptism. Live above sin in Christ, who is your comfort forever.
This weakness to the world is strength in Christ – the source of our courage and love. Motherhood is a lifelong sacrifice and calling – but you mothers need a sacrifice too. Mothers are not the ultimate in comfort and sacrifice – sin affects even most beautiful tender expressions of a mother’s love. Life is not yours, even if you care for it deeply.
Nurture and protection are often played against the Father’s will. Worry, fear, and over-protection can be tyrannical without a strong head to follow. No mother cares enough – because it is only by Christ’s sacrifice in the flesh that holiness is found. We need a greater love and sacrifice than a mother can offer—we need divine comfort.
Mothers are tempted to be the authority figure, to make the decisions and demand power – because they care most and know the weakness of the sinners. But Christ calls mothers to be submissive out of reverence for Christ, your earthly head. Fear, impossible visions of safety, and worry rule minds—paralyzing. But do not let weakness rule your mind, be strong and courageous in Christ. Respect your heavenly Father and trust His will—pray for His will to be done–not your own. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Mothers are free in Christ to pray and expect good things for their children—especially eternal life. Don’t play God, rest in the one who made you a mother.
Mothers are to teach the faith—not publicly or as a pastor. But from the beginning, from the first breath and heartbeat. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Mothers get to show godly care and humble submission in their own lives. My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
This is more important than a paying job. Mothers are often the first teacher of godliness, uprightness, of love for the Lord. This is a high calling—don’t let the weakness and physical sacrifices be all you see. Emulate Christ your head and be content in your calling. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
No one chose be born – you had to be made by God in your mother’s womb. You cannot chose be born to God either, you had to be made alive by Spirit. It is God’s choice, on account of Christ. The Lord brings us to Baptism and He uses mothers. Life comes through women – all physical life. In Christ, we do not have to be ridden by sin and earthly dangers. The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. This is a high calling—because it is God’s own work. Mothers are life-bearers. They are not the authorities on life, but they get to be God’s tool for new life.
A devote mother and submissive wife will not make the Forbes most powerful people list—those that run countries or corporations. But there is greater power in being used by Christ to nurture life—for eternal glory. But don’t expect a parade, magazine cover, or large bonus—serve in faith, be sure of your calling.
Women are told today to make history. But they always have – most literally – every person must be born before they do anything–speak, write or invent. But the world does not value mothers. It tells women to do anything besides being mother, in order to get recognized and praised. Women are told to grab power, to be like a man – suppressing the feminine character God gave. Children are strangled daily so that power can be grabbed in the arena of our world.
But this impossible quest for equality involves dishonoring the role God given women. Men and women are not the same—babies show this quite clearly. So we do not treat women like men in the church, but better and with more honor to provide protection for their unique, challenging role.
Sexual immorality results where God’s order is turned upside down. Because women are not made to be men, nor men to be weak, afraid, and submissive. Don’t get caught up in power struggle—making it a bitter fight to the death. Don’t be afraid be weak, dependent, to be a caring mother—if God calls you to it.
If God has not bless you as you wish with children, accept your Father’s will as good. The Lord Jesus is your God and He is strong enough for you. He has risen over your sin and forgives every fault, covering you with His righteousness like feathers. Children do not make a woman, God makes women, so we honor God’s work.
A mother to be most motherly needs a strong husband to lead, protect, and love her. Husbands are to care more about Christ and His will, than hurting the feelings of His family or his own interests. Weakness and earthly limitations, for those in Christ, are not demeaning. Faith is dependence — Trusting the Lord and the call He gives you. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. Being a child of God is the greatest call – to serve the Father above.
Life is fragile. Mothers experience this up close and personal. But life is a gift that can only be received – not demanded or grabbed by the throat. Look to the wounded body of Jesus for your holiness – our strength is in Christ, not in ourselves. Our earthly work and call do not give heavenly status. Serve in hope, resting in the comfort of the Gospel, which gives eternal life to the unworthy – to those who have failed to meet God’s will.
Being a mother is a glorious and honorable role that pleases Christ. Holding an infant tenderly, feeding a messy toddler, showing kindness to an ungrateful teenage, in faith, are holy tasks for the mother. They are ways to serve Christ, live as a Christian, and show the strength of faith. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.
Motherhood is an opportunity for service – to be a comfort and show love in Christ the way He designed. It is a wonderful thing. The world needs mothers who love in the way God made them. Just as it needs men to love and protect them. It is a tough world – brutalized by sin, hatred, selfishness. Sin has it way with us – for now. But not forever.
True love is always in submission to Christ and at His pleasure. Love without fear—knowing our faith is not in vain. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Life is ours in Jesus who sacrificed Himself for our comfort and salvation. Amen.
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