Coffee with Ruth (Bible Mommies series)

Ruth: Loyal Mother

Not much is said in the scriptures about our next Bible mommy. About motherhood, that is. However, much is said about her character, and much can be deduced about her role as a mom. Her story begins with, "In the days when the judges ruled . . ." A time when the Israelites did whatever was right in their own eyes, God profiles a young Moabite woman who chose to leave her homeland and follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, and God to Judah. Let's pull up a comfy chair and talk with Ruth now.

That must have been a very difficult time for you. You'd lost your husband and your brother-in-law and father-in-law. Wow, talk about loss hitting in threes! Which left you and Naomi since Orpah chose to go back to her family.

Yes, Naomi urged me to return to my family, but I didn't want to. I strongly believed I should stay and comfort her. Plus, I believed in her God, the one true God, and wanted to rebuild life with her and with Him. 

So, as the story goes, you packed up and traveled to Bethlehem with Naomi. How did that go?

Ruth sighs. Well, it was difficult at first. The other women welcomed Naomi back, but they weren't so sure about me, not being of their people, and all. 

I'm sorry that happened to you. People, God's people can be so harsh at times, pushing away the very ones they should draw in. But as I understand it, your character spoke for itself.

Ruth blushes. We were hungry, so I went to glean in the field of a man named, Boaz. Turns out he was a relative to Naomi, so she urged me to go to the threshing floor, wearing my best clothes and perfume, and lie down at his feet. She told me he would tell me what to do. While I didn't fully understand her request, I told her I'd do whatever she asked. 

Wow, that was bold. What happened?

In the middle of the night, something startled Boaz, and he turned and found me lying at his feet. He asked who I was. I told him and asked him to spread the corner of his garment over me, since he was a kinsman-redeemer. He was kind to me and recognized me as a woman of noble character.

Did God fan the flames of this budding romance?

Not at first. There was another man who was a closer relative and in line to marry me first, but he refused. So Boaz took me as his own. And we were very happy.

And then you gave birth to a son.

Yes, Obed. I can't quite describe how happy this little boy made Naomi. She'd called herself bitter up to that point, but now, well, she was overjoyed! She took him on her lap and cared for him, as any godly grandmother might do. In our sorrow, God brought us a sweet surprise. Ruth smiles. 

What lessons would you say you learned from this experience?

Oh, so many. But mostly, when we are faithful to the Lord, He provides for us, in ways we never dreamed possible. 

For more of Ruth's story, read the book of Ruth. :) Thanks for joining us today, Ruth! Stay tuned for our next Bible mommy, Hannah!  

Coffee with Rebekah (Bible Mommies series)

Rebekah: Playing Favorites

Today, we're visiting with Rebekah over coffee. So pull up a comfy chair and listen in! I believe this Bible mommy has some wisdom to share about avoiding common mistakes in parenting. 

Good to have you with us today, Rebekah! Seems to be a pattern in Scripture of infertility. You experienced this as well, didn't you?

Yes, but my husband, Isaac, prayed to the LORD on my behalf. God answered with twins! I remember how much they thrashed about in my belly. So much so, it concerned me. The LORD told me that two nations warred in my womb, and that the older would serve the younger. Even at birth, the younger was grabbing onto his brother's heel.

What was it like as the mother of twin boys?

Rebekah giggles.Never a dull moment, I can tell you that. The oldest, Esau, loved to hunt. But the younger, Jacob, liked to stay home. I know it's not right to pick favorites, but Isaac loved Esau because of the game he brought home. I, on the other hand, loved Jacob because he was a quiet boy, preferring to stay by my side in the tent. He liked to cook, too. What woman doesn't like that? Sadly, though, that's the very thing that led to trouble.

Tell us about that.

Rebekah sighs. Well, one day Esau came in from hunting, all hungry. He saw Jacob cooking stew, and he told his brother to give him some. Jacob, born with a cunning nature, said, "First sell me your birthright." You see, the oldest child was in line to inherit from his father. But Esau, ever the impulsive one, said, "Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?"  So he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. 

Oh dear. That would spell trouble, I suppose. 

Yes, and grief seemed to follow us into their adult years. When Esau married Judith, they gave us nothing but heartache. Perhaps I didn't do the job I should've when he was little. At any rate, they made life miserable for Isaac and me. 

I'm sorry to hear that. But I'm sure many of my readers can identify. Often, grown children can vex their parents, in one way or another. 

So true. Later, when Isaac was on his death bed, he called for Esau and asked him to prepare some game for him and he would bless him before he died. I was listening in and got an idea. Rebekah hangs her head. I told Jacob to prepare tasty food from our flock, using the hairy skins to cover his neck and arms so that Isaac would think he was Esau. You see, Isaac couldn't see well. Not at all. Like Sarah, I took matters into my own hands to assure that the LORD's prophecy to me would work out--that the older would serve the younger. Sadly, my example of trickery rubbed off on Jacob and followed him throughout life. 

Did Isaac fall for the scheme?

Oh, yes, with no problem. As I said, he was quite unable to see in his old age. He blessed Jacob, and when Esau came in from the field and asked for his blessing, there was none to give. This upset both Isaac and Esau greatly! But nothing could be done.

Ooh, I can only imagine how angry Esau must have been.

Yes, quite so. He held a grudge against his brother and wanted to kill him. But I sent Jacob away to my brother Laban. Eventually, many years later, Esau did let go of the grudge, for God provided for him too, in many ways. Wives. Flocks. Children. And such. And even though Jacob received the blessing, he struggled in many ways, for a long time. Even with God. 

What would you say you learned from your experiences, Rebekah?

Never play favorites. Never take matters into your own hands. The LORD will do as He promised, in His time and in His way. And perhaps the biggest lesson of all: a mother's influence is powerful. Live a godly example before your children, because your words and actions will come back on you, whether for good or bad. 

Thanks for joining me today, Rebekah! Next time on Bible Mommies, we'll talk with Rebekah's daughters-in-law who have an interesting story to share too.

For more of Rebekah's story, read Genesis, chapters 26 and 27.  

Coffee with Hagar (Bible Mommies series)

Hagar: Single Mom

Like Sarah, Hagar's point of pain revolved around a child. But as a result, she met the pre-incarnate Jesus in a most unexpected way. Let's spend a few minutes visiting with Hagar and hear her amazing story!

Hagar, great to have you for coffee today!What was it like for you when Sarah stepped outside God's plan and drew you into her plan? 

Thanks for inviting me. I'm honored to be with you. Since I was Sarah's maid, her request did not come as a surprise to me. Having a child through one's maid was not unusual in our time period. 

I see. But what did it feel like to be a single mom?

Exciting at first, I mean, to have a child. But also very difficult, as in reality, I was bearing the child for Sarah. I'll admit, I despised Sarah. Then things turned ugly. My mistress treated me harshly, and Abraham allowed it, so I ran away.

As I understand it, at the worst moment, God intervened. How did that come about?

Well, I ended up near a spring in the desert. The LORD came to me and asked where I was going. He told me to go back to Sarah and do what she told me. Even though I balked at the thought of submitting to her, the LORD promised He would increase my descendants through the child I carried. 

What was it like to "meet" God?

Amazing! I realized I'd seen the God who sees me.

Did Sarah treat you differently once the child was born?

She was fond of my son, Ishmael--her son really. But she never quite treated me with kindness. And rumor had it that Abraham insisted God had told him he would have a child directly through Sarah, but I don't think Sarah quite believed it. Being past the age for bearing children, she laughed about the whole thing.

Well, this story's heating up! What happened after that?

Years later, God did enable Sarah to bear a son. They named him Isaac, "God laughs." On the day Isaac was weaned, Abraham held a great feast. Unfortunately, Ishmael publicly mocked Isaac. This only made Sarah angry, and she told Abraham to get rid of me and Ishmael. I could tell this made Abraham sad. After all, Ishmael was his son, too. But nevertheless, he sent us away with some food and water. 

Oh my, how did you manage?

I was an emotional basket case, to tell you the truth. When we finished the water, I put Ishmael under a bush and slipped away, not too far. But I couldn't bear to watch him die. We both cried. It was awful. Then God called to me. Again. I couldn't believe my ears. But what a comfort. He said, "Don't be afraid. I've heard the boy's cries. Take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation." Then I looked, and there was a well! Amazing! We filled the water skin, drank, and lived. When Ishmael grew up, I took a wife for him from Egypt. 

You had quite an experience, Hagar. What would you say you learned from all this?

That God sees and hears our cries. He seeks out the unloved, the undesirable. At the point of death, God intervened and reminded me of His promise. I was in an impossible circumstance, beyond my control. But that was God's way of getting my attention. As a single mom, I despaired, even of life. But God heard my cry and provided what I needed to care for my son. 

Thanks so much for drinking coffee with me today and sharing a piece of your story, Hagar.

Thanks for listening. 

~~

Remember when we spoke with Sarah--the most important thing in her life became the point of greatest testing. But God's plan was bigger than her imagination. His plan for Isaac exceeded Sarah's. And God can turn sorrow into laughter. 

Today, we learned that a blessing for Hagar became a curse for Sarah, and ultimately pushed Hagar to the breaking point. But God, in His relentless mercy, intervened.

Read Genesis, chapters 16 and 21, to get the complete flow of this story. 

* What does this account show us about the importance God places on names?

* What part did God play in Hagar's deliverance?

* What part did she play?

* What lessons can we learn from this Bible mommy? 

Coffee with Sarah (Bible Mommies series)

Sarah: From Barren to Blessed

When a client steps into my counselor husband's office, one of the first things my husband asks is, "What's your problem?" or "What brought you here today?"

Interestingly enough, the presenting problem represents a deeper issue in the person's life or surroundings. Would you say that's true for you, Sarah?

Definitely. I was desperate to have a child, but I think the real issue in my life was releasing control and allowing God to build my faith.  And of course, at this point in human history, mankind in general suffered from barren hearts. They'd walked away from God and exalted themselves.

In reading your story in Genesis, you enter the scene as a new bride with one distinction: you're barren. Short bio for the future mother of God's chosen people.

Sarah laughs. Yes, I guess you could say that.

Tell us a little of what it was like to be married to Abraham. He always seems like such a bigger than life figure. 

Yes, Abram was a good man. A righteous man. But he wasn't perfect. God had to chisel him into a patriarch of faith. And one of the first tests: the promise of a son, even in his old age. And not just any son, mind you, an heir through which God would build a great nation with descendants as plentiful as the stars. Sadly, what started out as faith in God's promise turned to doubt and impatience. And I certainly didn't help matters.

What do you mean?

Well, in hindsight, I now know God always has a reason for His delays. Sometimes, He withholds blessing long enough for us to come to the end of ourselves and our resources, then in grace, He acts. I believe that's what he did in mine and Abram's case. But I insisted on doing things my way rather than waiting on God. I pulled in Hagar to conceive a child on my behalf, thinking her son could be the promised heir. But that was so far from what God intended. He promised a child through Abram and me. 

What did you learn from your experience that you might pass along to my readers?

Sarah sighs. I struggled with infertility my entire life, well past the age for bearing children. And you know what I finally realized? The thing I struggled with the most is where God met me with laughter. You might recall that I named our son, Isaac, meaning "God laughs." Even in my disobedience, God graciously stuck to His promise. I love how God works! Such a blessing!

Yes. So true, Sarah. From barren to blessed. Thanks for joining me today and providing a glimpse into your life and lessons learned. 

Glad to be with you! 

So, dear reader, as you think about our time with Sarah, consider the following questions based on Genesis 11:30, chapters 15-18:15; 21:1-12.

* What qualities proved both strengths and weaknesses in Sarah's life?

* In what ways can you identify with Sarah?

* What areas feel barren in your life right now?

* Has God made any promises to you?

* What lessons can you learn from Sarah's faith journey?

We'll be visiting with Hagar next time to hear her side of the story! We'll keep the coffee hot. :)

Bible Mommies: What They Teach Us (Intro)

God's story is epic, the sweeping saga of redemption. A chosen nation spawned through a chosen vessel--Abraham. Weakness mingled with strength. Faith overcoming unbelief. Rebellion colliding with God's Law. Wars. Famine. Kings and paupers. Prophets, priests, and poets. The coming Messiah.  The birth of God's Son. His teaching, rejection, and cruel death--all necessary for the fulfillment of God's redemption. His resurrection and promise to return. The spread of His Church through His followers. His Kingdom come, and Satan's ultimate defeat. Then everlasting life, peace, and joy as believers rule and reign with Him.

In the midst of this grand story, God dropped individuals, key players, in His drama. And many of those players were Bible mothers who left their mark on history.

What might it have been like to rear children in the early years of man's existence? During the cruelty of Pharaoh or Herod? During the wilderness journey? Or when Jesus walked the earth? 

Have you ever wondered what you might ask these special women if they were sitting in front of you?

Well, now you can. Pull up a comfy chair--two chairs, in fact--pour some coffee, and step into the lives of several Bible mommies and discover what you can learn.

As you visit with each Bible mommy, study the Scriptures, and reflect on the questions. Imagine what she would tell you if she were sharing her story with you.

First invitation: Sarah, From Barren to Blessed. We'll be visiting with Sarah tomorrow. Make plans to drop by!