Sermon Outline July 13, 2008 Morning Service

Topic: Jochebed—Do Something!   

Text:        Exodus 2:1-10    

Introduction

I.    How far would you go for your children?

II.   How far have your parents gone for you?

III.  This morning, we will look at a mother who had to make a difficult decision for the safety of her child; her name was Jochebed.

Text

I.    We probably cannot really relate to the background of this story.

A.   The Hebrew people where living in the land of Egypt.

1.   Initially they went there during the reign of Joseph.

2.   Eventually, a new Pharaoh, who feared that the Hebrews were becoming more than could be controlled, took over.

B.   Jochebed hid her son for three months due to Pharaoh’s order that male Hebrew babies be killed.

C.  Realizing she couldn’t hide him any more she placed him in a basket and sent him down the Nile River.

II.   This is interesting, but is there anything that applies to our lives today?

A.   Jochebed teaches us courage.

1.   Fear had to have gripped her to realize she was pregnant.

2.   She decided to disobey the ungodly order of the king.

3.   Too often the godly give in to the ungodly.

4.   God’s people should be marked by courage (2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 118:6).

B.   Jochebed teaches us humble surrender.

1.   She did what she was capable of doing.

2.   But she also accepted that there were things she was incapable of (“…when she could no longer hide him…”).

3.   As much as it had to have broken her heart, Jochebed accepted that she had done all she could do (James 4:15).

C.  Jochebed teaches us about impartation.

1.   This is an amazing case of God providentially stepping in.

2.   Look at the opportunity that befell her:

a.   She again had the opportunity to care for her son.

b.   She imparted knowledge of family, heritage and God.

3.   Jochebed prepared her children for whatever direction life would take them.

4.   How many opportunities are we losing all because no one ever imparted the importance of doing all we can for God?

Conclusion

I.    Being a mother, today or in Biblical times, has never been easy.

A.   Jochebed sent her heart, her flesh, her soul down that river.

1.   She had to make a difficult choice.

2.   But ultimately, Jochebed trusted Moses into God’s care.

B.   How strong is your walk with God?

1.   Do you make difficult decisions on faith or fear?

2.   Do you trust God to take care of what you cannot?

II.   Sometimes you just have to do something.

A.   Jochebed did not know how this would all work out.

B.   We have no assurances either.

C.  But sometimes, you just have to do something!