2024_01_26 Insight Post- David Schleyer
This week’s reading- Exodus 1, Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 6:20, Numbers 26:59, Hebrews 11:23
I loved reading and learning about Jochebed this week. I have to admit when I saw the name for this week’s reading, I had no idea who the person was! I quickly became aware of who she was and what she stood for; I learned that she was an enslaved Israelite woman and the mother of three significant figures in the Bible: Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Her story serves as an inspirational example of an individual facing adversity with strength, love, and unwavering faith.
As I read about her story, I wondered if it also serves as an inspirational example of patience and trust in God’s timing. It is one thing to follow God, be faithful, and step out with courage, but I believe it is another thing to be patient and trusting while doing it.
From what we read this week, Jochebed got pregnant, had a baby boy, and realized he was special and meant for something significant. (“The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months.” Exodus 2:2 (NLT)), defies Pharaoh’s decree to kill him, and instead, she hides him, places him in the river, gets him back to nurse him, and sends him back to Pharaoh’s daughter. All these clearly show her courage, faith, and love but I would add that it also shows her unwavering trust in God’s timing.
I don’t know about you, but when I have taken steps to be faithful and step out with courage, I want to know immediately what God has next for me. Part selfish, part pride, part lack of consistent faith, but mostly not being patient and trusting God and his perfect timing. I guess part of it for me is the unknown. I wonder if Jochebed felt this. She didn’t know what would happen with Moses along the way- from giving birth to him, to putting him in the river, to being raised by Pharaoh’s daughter…
I was reminded of the story of Peter walking on the water. Here is the story from the Gospel of Matthew:
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So, Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:28-31 (NLT)
Much like Peter stepping out of the boat onto the water, Jochebed faced an uncertain path. She hid Moses, crafted a basket, and entrusted him to the Nile, not knowing the full extent of God’s plan. Jochebed’s patience and faith in God’s timing mirror Peter’s initial steps on the water when his eyes were fixed on Jesus.
However, just as Peter began to drown when he took his eyes off Jesus and succumbed to fear, I, too, can lose sight of God’s plan when I let impatience or anxiety overwhelm me. Jochebed’s steadfast gaze on God contrasts with the momentary lapse in Peter’s faith, reminding us of the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord.
Learn to trust God’s timing, even when faced with uncertainty. Jochebed’s actions were part of a larger divine plan. Patience and trust in God’s timing can help you navigate life’s uncertainties.
Jochebed’s example is a reminder that patience is an active trust in the Lord’s timing. It’s a call to keep our eyes on God, even when the path ahead seems unclear or challenging.
May Jochebed’s example inspire us to cultivate patience and maintain our gaze on God, even when faced with the unknown, and in doing so, to experience the fulfillment of His perfect plan.
David Schleyer
Elementary Small Group Leader