Colossians 3:20 states, “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.” The verse suggests an intact family with a father, mother and a child or children. In verse 21 of the same chapter, fathers are warned not to “provoke” their children. The same thoughts are found in Ephesians 6:1-4, which also instructs fathers to bring up their children “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (v.4). Titus reminded the older women to “admonish the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children” (Ti. 2:4). The perfect will of God for families is crystal clear in Scripture. We have been given the blueprint.
However, when things go wrong on man’s end through sin, failure and unforeseen circumstances, God intervenes in His providence. He is more than able to care for the children who are not raised by their parents. This wonderful providence is seen in the life of Moses. God protected Moses from his infancy in Egypt (Ex. 2) to his death on Mount Nebo in the land of Moab (Dt. 34:5) – the LORD using him mightily in those years. He can do the same for all children whom He guides and protects.
Providence In Moses’ Birth
God well knew the circumstances surrounding Moses’ birth. He, being
omniscient, knew about the new king of Egypt who did not know Joseph (Ex.
1:8-14). God was well aware of the king’s plans to burden and afflict the
children of Israel, to prevent them from siding with Egypt’s enemies in a
war. The new pharaoh sought to mistreat the people of Israel because he was
afraid of their sheer growth. Scripture says, “All those who were
descendants of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already). And
Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. But the children of
Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly
mighty; and the land was filled with them” (vv.5-7).
Pharaoh’s first plan did not work. Although he afflicted the people of Israel, they continued to multiply and grow (v.12).
God stopped the king’s second plan. In His providence He did not allow Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives, to kill the male children (vv.15-19). Indeed, He was watching out for His people even before the birth of Moses.
At the birth of Moses, God gave his mother the courage to hide him for three months (2:2). The writer to the Hebrews tells us that both of his parents hid him (Heb. 11:23). These two verses reveal their baby was “a beautiful child.” Moses was beautiful to the LORD.
How greatly do we desire our children to be beautiful to God? He wants to use our children for His glory; He wants them in His service. Christians should have the attitude and exercise of Hannah in giving their children back to the Lord. Her vow is beautiful: “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life” (1 Sam. 1:11)
God’s Providence For Moses’ Future
The providence and care of God was magnificently seen when Moses’
mother could no longer hide him. Hebrews 11:23 states that the parents, in faith,
were not afraid of the king’s commandment. Their child was not thrown, as
commanded by Pharaoh, into the Nile to drown. Instead, Moses was placed in an ark
that did not sink, which was set among the reeds along the edge of the river. His
sister, Miriam, stood afar off to see what would happen to the child.
As Miriam watched, Pharaoh’s daughter came to the river to bathe. God was working out His plan for Moses’ life; there are no coincidences in Scripture. He sent the daughter of the king at that specific time to that exact location. Even if we don’t believe it, God was working, for He gave Pharaoh’s daughter a heart of compassion, although it is apparent she knew about her father’s command. She stated, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children” (Ex. 2:6). God caused Moses to cry at the right moment to tug at her compassion.
The providence of God shines even more brilliantly concerning Miriam’s interaction with Pharaoh’s daughter. He gave Moses’ sister the proper words to say: “Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?’” (v.7). Receiving approval, Miriam brought the child’s mother – her mother – to Pharaoh’s daughter, who then gave Moses’ mother the responsibility of being his nurse. Only God can bring about such extraordinary occurrences! He alone can ordain in His providence such miraculous circumstances for a child who would not be raised by his parents. God can do the same today for children who are not raised by their biological parents. His providence supersedes unfortunate circumstances.
Providence In Precious Time With Moses’ Mother
The keys to Moses’ life were the actions of God on his behalf and
the precious time he spent with his mother. Clearly his father was influential in
this too, but Scripture especially mentions his mother. “Then
Pharaoh’s daughter said to her … ‘Take this child away and
nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the
child and nursed him. And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s
daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying,
‘Because I drew him out of the water’” (vv.9-10).
It is not clear how long Moses’ mother had her son, but it is evident that she used the precious time wisely. Apparently she taught Moses that he belonged to the people of God. She instilled in him who God was, and she taught her son who he was. Although Moses grew up in the palace of Egypt, Exodus 2:11 shows he identified with his brethren and their sufferings.
As we look at Scripture, our great God always provided a godly person to influence a child who is not raised by his or her parents. He created favorable circumstances to guide that child to adulthood, and then He used that son or daughter in His kingdom. For example, Samuel had his mother Hannah and the priest Eli (1 Sam. 1, 3:1). Esther had Mordecai (Est. 2:7).
Undoubtedly, God has His people today to help shape and mold precious orphaned children. Perhaps you are one of those instruments? Look to God! See if He has brought a child or young person into your life that you may make a major and godly difference in his or her life. Time is always of the essence. Moses’ mother used the precious time she had. Before he was called Moses, she taught him who he really was. He was drawn from the river to be the servant of God and not simply the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
The Providential Results
The results of God working on Moses’ behalf are seen throughout the
Bible and history:
There are four words in Hebrews 11:23-26 that sum up his life: “refused,” “choosing,” “pleasures” and “treasures.” We read: “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”
God’s providence was at work when he was in the womb. We see God’s guidance from Moses’ birth throughout his life. Because of God’s goodness, Moses could refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He knew whose son he was. Because of God’s grace he could choose to voluntarily suffer with his brethren, and because of God’s joy he could give up the passing pleasures of sin. God’s abundance provided for Moses to consider the reproaches of Christ as being more valuable than all the treasures of Egypt. What a testimony for a man who was not raised by his parents! May our children live in that reality.
Conclusion
The normal expectation of life is for children to be raised by their
biological parents. It is God’s principle, instituted along with marriage
before sin had come into the world (Gen. 2:18-25). Usually, a married couple
would have children; Adam and Eve, our first parents, had many (5:1-5).
Nevertheless, because of sin and difficult circumstances, numerous children today
are not raised by their parents. This has become an all too familiar situation in
the world.
Yet, God looks out for those unfortunate children. He makes sure that they hear the gospel of salvation. He guides their lives through His great providence, and He uses those children who yield to His will in His kingdom.
Moses is an extraordinary example of God’s care. Perhaps God will use us to help raise godly children who are not raised by their parents. Let us be a willing part of His providential care for children of all ages.
By Albert Stuart
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Mr. Muller’s heart was led out to care for destitute orphans in
Bristol, England in the 19th century. From a small beginning, a second and a
third house were rented for their reception. From the beginning, he had laid down
for himself the rule that, beyond making known the existence of the institution,
he would never apply in any way to man for help. Further, he would never reveal
to any human being, outside those associated with him in the work, the state of
the funds, however pressing the need. The aim Mr. Muller set before him was not
merely the benefit of the orphans, but much more that it might be a witness to
all that God is, as ever of old, the hearer of prayer.
—Henry Pickering, Chief Men Among The Brethren (adapted)
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