A Mother’s Legacy

Pastor Melinda Song
Mother’s Day Service
26 April 2020

Good morning TOPians! Welcome once again to our online Sunday celebration service. 2020 has been a challenging year thus far and with the MCO we have been thrust into a new normal. Our resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances is being tested but with God we shall come through this trial as overcomers and our faith come forth as gold.

Today is Mother’s Day and we want to honour all the mothers and wish them a “Happy Mother’s Day.”  I hope you have enjoyed the music video that we have prepared for you. We want to thank them for the love and sacrifice they have given over the years to their children.

Jesus commented in…

John 16:21 (NIV84)
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.

It is the privilege of women to conceive and have a child grow inside of her and finally be born after nine months. The birth process brings pain, but joy comes when the baby is born.

As you know, Kenny and I are grandparents to two wonderful boys.  It has been a joy watching them grow but the most amazing part of it for me has been watching the way our daughter has been transformed by being a mother. It is gratifying to see her embrace her new role and do it so well and so happily.

Before launching into today’s sermon I want to acknowledge that today is a day that always stirs up many different emotions present among us. Some who are blessed with wonderful mothers have nothing but positive thoughts on Mother’s Day. Others may have become estranged from their mothers for one reason or another, or are grieving from the recent demise of their mothers.  Some of you may not have known your true mother because you were adopted.

Some mothers here may have children who have turned away from them, or have had the terrible experience of their children preceding them in death.  Some of you may not have been able to have children, or decided not to have children. It is a complicated day, filled with many different emotions.

One thing is for sure, there is no more important job in the world than preparing a child for life in the world. There are tough choices which can shape and teach or stifle and alienate depending on what you do and how you do it.

A mother wrote the following article about making choices.  She says,

“Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a mother, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to make you take a Milky Way [a chocolate] back to the drugstore (with a bite out of it) and tell the clerk, ‘I stole this yesterday and I want to pay for it.’

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken me 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes.  Children must learn that their parents are not perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say ‘no’ when I knew you would hate me for it.  Those were the most difficult battles of all.  I am glad I won them, because in the end you won something, too.”

There is a quote attributed to Aristotle: “Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man.”

Words are important, but our actions and examples are more important. From how to treat other people to the habit of going to church to the teaching of stewardship by giving the child a ringgit to put in the offering, we can instill good habits, morals, and beliefs into our children.

Little Eyes Upon You

There are little eyes upon you
and they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;
And a little girl who’s dreaming
of the day she’ll be like you.

You’re the little angel’s idol,
you’re the wisest of the wise.
In her little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.
She believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;
She will say and do, in your way
when she’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little girl
who believes you’re always right;
and her eyes are always opened,
and she watches day and night.
You are setting an example
every day in all you do;
For the little girl who’s waiting
to grow up to be like you.

– Author Unknown

It is far from easy. Nothing that is worth doing ever is. So if you have children at home now, keep on persevering and remember what important work you are doing. It is like planting a garden. It requires constant attention, regular watering, protection, and time. The harvest comes in time and is so worth it.

So what legacy does God want mothers to leave to their children? To answer that question, we’re going to look at a mother named Naomi as we continue on our series “Beauty from Ashes” from the book of Ruth.

This message is entitled “A Mother’s Legacy” and although it is meant to be an encouragement for moms, the principles are applicable for all of us, male or female, young or old.

To summarize the story thus far. During a famine in Israel Elimelech took his wife Naomi and his two sons from their home in Bethlehem to the country of Moab.  While they were there, Elimelech died.  The two sons both married Moabite women, which is surely a bitter pill for Naomi to swallow. 10 years eventually passed and during that time both of the sons also died.  So there Naomi was in a foreign land with her husband and both sons dead.

But PTL! Naomi’s story doesn’t end there. As the story continues on we see Naomi leaving a legacy that would impact generations, even to you and me, and that would endure throughout eternity

What was Naomi’s legacy?

I. STRENGTH IN TRIALS

Difficulties come into all of our lives, unexpected trials that bring unexpected sorrows through our own choices, often through choices of others or simply through circumstances beyond our control such coronavirus pandemic leading to health and economic crisis

Yet Naomi, although not perfect and even a little backslidden, didn’t give up. And that’s what I like about her. She is REAL, with struggles in her walk with the Lord through the seasons of her life. Mothers, it’s human to be imperfect so don’t beat yourself up too much.

In the midst of her trials, she drew strength from the Lord. How do we know that?

Naomi remained steadfast in her beliefs and spiritual practice in a land hostile to Israel. Far from home and  her familiar support network, she inspired her daughters-in-law with her devotion to her spiritual beliefs. She may have been misunderstood or shunned by some of her neighbours, yet she remained steadfast in her devotion to God. Even when all had been taken from her.

Have you heard of the saying “People are like tea bags”? You don’t know how strong they are till you get them in hot water. Our spiritual strength is unlikely to become apparent until we are challenged.

It is true about all of our spiritual faculties. They are like muscles. They are always there but we don’t notice them until we start to exercise. Then they may ache from overuse at first. But with use, they grow stronger.

What spiritual muscles are God developing in you?

Regardless of whether you are a mother or not, whatever, you’re going through this morning, look to God for your strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV84)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Whether difficulty with a husband, children or other circumstances, God is still in control.

Psalm 138:8 (NIV84)
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O Lord, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.

He still loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV84)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Keep your trust in Him and show His love to others He has put in your life. A mother’s legacy is not only to show strength in trials, but to also demonstrate …

II. SACRIFICIAL LOVE

When Naomi learned that back in Israel the Lord had answered the prayers of the people and the famine was over, she made a decision to return to the land of Judah and she takes her daughters-in-law with her. Her love for them was demonstrated in her …

a. Prayers of blessing

When Naomi requested that her daughters-in-law return to Moab, she asked for God’s blessing upon them.

Ruth 1:8-9 (ESV)
But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.  The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept.

Mothers, there is no greater blessing in a child’s life than to have a praying mother. You cannot watch over and protect them 24/7 so learn to entrust them to a God who never slumbers. This is especially so when they go away for further studies or for work.

Likewise there is no greater gift that you can give another than to pray for them. I read somewhere that “the best kind of friend is a praying friend.”

Not only do you pray for your children but also teach them to pray so that they will ”in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make their requests known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, that will guard [their] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV).  

Naomi’s sacrificial love was further demonstrated by …

b. Putting others first

What is amazing is that the love that Naomi demonstrated was for the spouses that they married. Even though these spouses were from another pagan country.

Naomi wanted the best for her daughters-in-law at great cost to herself. even though that would mean that she would be returning to Judah all alone. She put them first over her own needs and desires.

Part of the legacy that God desires each mother to leave is a legacy of sacrificial love. A love that is demonstrated to her children, to her grandchildren, to her children’s spouses and to everyone else.

How many times have your mom gone without so that you could have something you desire? She saves you the piece of chicken that you like, she runs around to help you get the project ready.

Demonstrating sacrificial love is being Christ-like, following in the footsteps of the One who laid down His life for us. Not only should a mother leave a legacy of

• STRENGTH IN TRAILS and
• SACRIFICIAL LOVE,

most importantly she should leave a legacy of …

III. FAITH IN GOD

 Many things that had gone wrong in Naomi’s life – famine, leaving her country, her husband’s death and finally the death of both her sons – yet, Naomi had a deep faith in God and we see that that faith had been…

a. Passed on to Ruth

“Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

We see an incredible faith in the words of Naomi’s daughter-in-law Ruth. Not only does Ruth show a deep devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi, she shows a deep devotion to the people of God and to God Himself.

Ruth has become a worshipper of the one true God, the Lord. These are not just words, for she is going to leave her family, her country, her gods and journey with Naomi to a new country and faith.

How did Ruth develop this faith in God?

Naomi passed her faith on to Ruth over the years. Through her words, her actions, her sacrificial love and her strength in times of difficulty.

Parents, mothers, remember that little eyes are watching you and little feet will follow in your footsteps. Our children honour God when they see us honouring God.

The impact mothers have on children’s faith
(https://churchleaders.com/children/childrens-ministry-articles/296226-parents-affect-childrens-faith-latest-findings.html, 27 Dec 2018)

• 40 percent of those raised in households where both parents shared the same religion, say their mother was far more responsible for their religious upbringing than their father.
• 46 percent of those raised by parents who had different religions, say their mother was the biggest influence on their faith.
• 63 percent of those raised by one parent who was religious and one who was a none, say their mother was mainly responsible for their religious upbringing.

Mothers, every day in every way you are passing on your faith to your children.

Naomi’s faith in God caused her to be …

b. Remembered by others

Ruth 1:19-20 (ESV)
So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, “Is this Naomi?”  

Naomi had left Bethlehem in Judah over ten years ago. Yet, even after much time had passed, the women of the town remembered Naomi. Her life had made an impression on them and she was welcomed back.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV84)
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Our legacy remains in the lives of our children. As the song says…

You are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

And when we have passed on we will live on in their memories.

But as we go on with the story, we’ll see that God has been sovereignly at work in her life. God has some wonderful things in store for Naomi and she will be …

c. Blessed by God

When Naomi left Bethlehem there was no bread in the house of bread. But now, she is returning at the beginning of the barley harvest. Naomi’s season of difficulty was about to turn around into a season of blessing, far beyond anything she could imagine.

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Naomi’s problems began when she left Bethlehem. The key to Naomi’s blessing lies in returning to Him and the place He has assigned for His people. The blessing of the Lord is upon those who know how to rest and trust in Him; fully dependent on the Lord and not on self-effort for…

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore

To Naomi, her hometown of Bethlehem probably had no particular meaning to her. She didn’t know that the Messiah would one day be born in Bethlehem. Nor did she know of the part she would play in preparing the way for the Messiah.

Ruth 4:14–17 (ESV)
¹⁴ Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! ¹⁵ He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

Susannah Wesley was John and Charles’ mother and is referred to by some as “The mother of Methodism.” She was a powerful influence on their faith and life-style. Her piety and compassion multiplied themselves many times over in these two children.

Susannah’s father was a minister and she was born in England in 1669 as the youngest of twenty-five children! Susannah was married at 19 to Samuel Wesley, also a minister and, not to be outdone, she had nineteen children herself. She always wanted to do big things for God and she did so by humbly raising children to serve Him.

Susannah prayed two hours a day. She organized her children so this could be accomplished. John and Charles, as little boys, just watched their mom. Every day they watched her flip her apron up over her head and pray.

Is it any wonder John and Charles gave their lives to the Gospel and preached an evangelical salvation all across England? It is any wonder Susannah Wesley’s legacy lives on today – over 350 years after her birth!?

What a legacy! Moms, you too are leaving a legacy of…

• STRENGTH IN TRAILS
• SACRIFICIAL LOVE
• FAITH IN GOD

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

The beauty of the story of Ruth and Naomi is that it is actually about a mother and daughter-in-law rather than a mother and daughter.  This story gives all women an example to aspire to today, whether our mothers are alive or dead, whether we have children of our own or not.

Their story stands as a high point of the way in which human beings can care for each other in the midst of bitterly disappointing circumstances. In the end, the women of Bethlehem tell Naomi that her daughter-in-law, who loves her, is worth more than seven sons.  This was a revolutionary thing to say in that patriarchal society, but they spoke truth.

We can learn much from Ruth and Naomi. If your mother is no longer living, don’t live in a world of grief and regret. Search for your Naomi – the widowed, the homebound, the lonely. They are women would cherish a younger person’s care and loving concern.

If you have no children or an empty nester, find a Ruth or two or three. Mentor or disciple them. Come alongside to encourage them in their parenting and in their marriages.

This is where Women of Worth, the Women’s Ministry of TOP, fulfils a very important mission. They provide a safe environment for the Naomis and Ruths in the midst of us to connect igniting new spiritual growth, sharing God stories, and having a time of refreshing for the soul – woman to woman.

Our aim is to encourage all women to not only be recipients but participants in connecting with one another and building relationships that lead to real life in Jesus Christ. And to also reach out to their friends and loved ones.

Women understand what it means to be female in a way that a man in ministry never will. Women ministering to other women are uniquely gifted to meet the needs of women more effectively – in prayer, godly counsel, encouragement, help. Like Naomi and Ruth.

Now, join with me as we pray for the mothers in our church family.