Lori crouched low in the bushes and held her breath, waiting for someone to come for the gift she left on the doorstep. The fog hovered in the area making her dark hiding spot even creepier. A chill raced up her spine.
It was the only way he’d be safe.
Her mother insisted Lori be the one to take her baby brother to the orphanage on the other side of town. Far from his father.
“He won’t find him there,” she said. “You must keep him hidden.” Phelan had threatened to take the child, but they couldn’t let that happen. The boy would never survive the man’s abusive ways.
Lori had waited until the cover of darkness before setting the basket on the steps and ringing the doorbell. That had been ten minutes ago.
What’s taking so long?
Lightning lit the sky. Thunder roared causing Lori to jump. The heavens would open any minute now.
Hurry!
The heavy oak door creaked open. Lori let out a sigh of relief. A nun glanced right, then left.
Look down!
As if hearing Lori’s thoughts, the baby stirred. The nun jumped and let out a squeal.
“What do we have here?” She bent down and peeked into the basket. “Hey, little one. Where did you come from?”
Raindrops splatted onto the pavement. Lori put her hood up.
“I think I’ll name you Murray,” the nun said before taking the baby inside.
Lori smiled and disappeared into the night.
Can you imagine how the Hebrew women felt when they heard Pharaoh’s command? “Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Wow. No wonder Moses’ mother did what she did.
Could you?
Let’s take a look at this woman and her daughter.
They were brave. This mother knew as soon as her son was born his life was marked. Pharaoh wanted all Hebrew boys dead. What did she do? She kept him hidden. She put herself and her daughter at risk. They both knew the consequences if they were caught. However, their love for this baby took away their fears. What a role model for us! What do we shy away from because of fear? Fulfilling our dreams? Unlocking our hearts to love? How about we pull our shoulders back, take a big breath, and dive into our fears? Be brave like these two women.
They gave the baby up. How could this mother give up her child? Good question. I’m not a parent, but I can’t imagine having to do something like this. Wow. How it must have hurt this woman! I’m sure she sobbed for days. Thankfully, she was able to keep nursing the baby. Is there something God is asking us to give up? May not be anything as drastic as this. Maybe a TV show we shouldn’t be watching, a book we’d be better off not reading, or even saying no to getting involved in yet another activity. Whatever it is, let’s do it with grace like this woman.
They trusted God. This mother and daughter duo put their complete trust in the One they knew was in control. He had their backs and would protect the baby they gave up. What faith and devotion! How about us? Is there something in our lives we’re not giving over to God 100 per cent? Are we keeping one room closed off to Him? We need to put our complete trust in our Savior. Be assured He has our backs!
And so it begins.
This was the start of Moses’ journey. In the next few weeks we’ll explore different aspects of his life. We’ve already visited how he parted the Red Sea, but there are many adventures that await us! God protected him as a baby hidden in a basket made of papyrus and floating amongst reeds in the Nile River, through the tyranny of Pharaoh’s kingdom, and a deadly journey through a desert filled with surprises.
This special basket held a prize the Israelites would one day follow.
A man full of goodness.
What’s your favorite Moses’ story? Share it with us and maybe I’ll tackle it in my series!
Exodus 2:3 (NLT)
“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.”
Brave by Nichole Nordeman
What does it take to be brave? Totally letting go and giving everything over to God. I love this line of Nichole’s song:
‘Cause it’s been fear that ties me down to everything
But it’s been love, Your love, that cuts the strings
I do find the story of Moses fascinating, from his humble beginnings in a basket on a river, to the amazing miracles, and his deep struggle within- trying to fulfil his mission leading the people to the promise land. Standing on the path…is the hardest part of our journeys of life…Moses is definitely a man we can relate to but remember in scripture. Love ya Sis
There are many things we can learn from Moses’ life! He was human and struggled with many of the same things we do today. That’s what makes the Bible SO relevant to our lives today!
K Dar it’s like you are listening to my prayers… Totally letting go and giving everything over to God…..That is what I am trying to do with my son. Letting go of him a bit as he is 14 now and wanting a little less of a tight hold from Mom.. very very difficult.
Interesting how God uses a blog, song, scripture, etc exactly when we need it. Love it when He does that! I’m sure that is tough, Di. Letting go is never easy.
Nicely written, Darlene. I appreciate your ability to remind us of the relevance of the Bible to our daily lives. There is nothing too old or antiquated about it. It is a living and active book and it is full of promise for abundant life for us when we read it, obey it, and love the Author of it! Thank you sharing.
Thanks for your encouraging words Michelle! The Bible is so relevant today even though some don’t think it is! I’m constantly learning new things. 😀