A Fine Child Worth Saving

         

my grandson Kai

 What mother doesn’t look at her baby and think he or she is a fine child? There are some, I know, who don’t feel the pull of mother-love. Most, however, experience an overwhelming attachment at first sight of their newborn child. Others may notice blemishes, a pointy head, or mousy cry, but to Mom, this child is beautiful and she would risk her life to protect him.

            We don’t always see ourselves with the same kind of unconditional love. We form opinions about our worth during childhood. What people say to us, about us, and the way they treat us – all contribute to our sense of worth, or lack of it. It seems that no one goes unscathed. Even the most beloved children develop insecurities about their looks, intellect, athletic ability, worth etc.

            In Exodus chapter three in the Bible, Moses is described as a fine child. The king, fearing their growing population, demands all male Israelites babies be thrown in the Nile. Moses’ parents made the dangerous choice to hide him and save his life. There was something extra special about him that showed promise.

my granddaughters Jolieanna and Leaella

            What was it? The Bible doesn’t tell us. Acts 7:20 says, “he was no ordinary child,” or, “He was fair in the sight of God.” Hebrews 11:23 gives more details: “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Moses’ parents risked everything to save him.

            However, their “fine child” made a mess of things. Pharaoh’s daughter found his little boat in the water and raised him in the palace. Yet Moses knew he was an Israelite, and tried to rescue his people through his own efforts. This led to murder, a vain attempt to cover it up, and finally an escape into the desert from the king’s revenge. There, he herded sheep for forty years. Hardly the occupation of a “fine child.” Or, so he thought.

            We’re not much different. We attempt to succeed in our own strength and make a mess too. We think we’ve missed our chance to do anything right. Often, we “throw ourselves away” in a ‘Nile’ of our own - self-pity, addictions, unhealthy relationships, perfectionism, and more.  However, God sees the end of our story. Like Moses, God sees the fine child we’re meant to be. He uses the desert times to mature us until we’re ready to do things His way.

          

my grandson Brooks

  Moses was saved from the Nile so he could lead his people out of slavery and into the Promised Land. God sent His Son to save us, so we can lead others out of slavery to sin, depression, and hopelessness, and on a lifelong journey of love that ends in heaven.

            Maybe you don’t feel like a very fine child today, but when God looks at you, that’s what He sees. He says:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

Jeremiah 31:3

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

Isaiah 43:1

 “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9