Any Korean TV Series Fan can tell that there are certain actresses that play the role of a mom over and over again. Being typecast as a mother is usually a good thing for any actress especially since it will guarantee a sure role in most if not all types of TV series. After all, Koreanovela heroes and heroines are almost always depicted to have a mom they could rely on.
In the Bible, we will find women who played a crucial role in the future not just of their child but of their nation. King Hezekiah, who was a son of one of the worst kings Judah ever had, turned out to be one of its better kings most likely because of the influence of his mother Abijah.
“Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.” 2 Chronicles 29:1-2
Although Abijah was the wife of King Ahaz, one of Judah’s worst kings, she was depicted as someone who embraced the true God of Israel. Her godly influence over her son helped him become one of its greatest kings.
“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.” 2 Kings 18:5-7
And because Abijah was faithful to God, her son walked in the way of the Lord. Hezekiah was known for his godly reforms having cleansed the temple, destroyed Idolatry, and restored appropriate worship.
When we make the decision to choose to follow God, just like what Abijah did, our background nor our current situation will no longer matter. Our new life in Christ will not just restore us in God’s peace, our children and the following generation will also be blessed.
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.” Psalm 37:25-26
While there are Abijahs in this world, there are also parents who unfortunately failed to rectify the wrong things in their life that they get to pass this on to their children. The infamous Queen Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, is the mother of Queen Athaliah who was known as the worst Queen the Northern Tribe of Israel ever had.
If Jezebel usurped power, and murdered whoever got in her way, and led the king to idolatry, her daughter Athaliah was even worse. She took idolatry to a whole new level, and she tried to kill everyone who would ascend to the throne of Judah, which of course includes all the king’s children and grandchildren.
“When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.” 2 Kings 11:1
The story goes to show that when we do not repent and correct our mistakes, and surrender to the One who can purify us, we as mothers could pass our emotional scars and unhealthy mental baggage to our children.
And so what are we to do? We then make the life-changing decision to abide in Jesus Christ. When we accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior, He will redeem and restore us. We will no longer be defined by our family history. Our mistakes will no longer bring us shame or guilt. We will be a whole new person, starting a brand new life in Jesus
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
And this fresh start that the Lord offers us, will have a ripple effect on our children, our children’s children and the generations that are to come. If we will raise them the way God calls us to raise them, then we can rest assured that we can live a great legacy of raising our children to Christ-likeness.
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9Â
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Psalm 37:23-34 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you working towards leaving a legacy of God=honoring motherhood? How are you rectifying your mistakes and that of your parents in the light of raising your own children? How can a life of worship help you raise better children?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us a chance to come to you and be one with you. Give us the strength and confidence to raise our children the way you have called us to. Give us the grace to continue looking unto you and calling upon you to help us out in parenting our kids such that they will grow up seeking you, aligning to your will, and bringing people to you. Amen.Â
