We will return to a final week with both Brennan Manning’s Abba’s Child and also the final for this series next week. But because Mother’s Day landed in the midst, I thought it would be interesting to consider God as our mother as well, for Scripture does have a few references to how He loves like a good mother. Please know I am not saying that God is a woman, but that God the Father also has tender qualities that are like a good mother. Last week at our little church many shared how before God found them and made them His children, they thought of God as stern, as a judge, having more of the attributes we often associate with a very stern father. They were surprised after they came to Christ finding how deep His love was, and how tender. Indeed, fathers can be like that as well, though many are not. So this week, let’s consider His tender mothering qualities as a balm to our souls, for Satan wants to paint a very different picture of God to keep us backing up from Him. But indeed, He is as tender as a mother. We will see Tuesday a picture of how He describes Himself in Hosea, so tender, like a mother with a baby. My own Sally waited five long years for a child, and oh, how she showered tender love on her Sadie.
Mother’s Day!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. If possible, share a tender memory of your mother and what it showed about her. Thank God.
3. How have you experienced the tender love of God, like a mother, recently?
Monday: Like One Who Lifts A Little Child to the Cheek
Indeed, in Hosea, God shows how tenderly and sorrowfully He loves His wayward children.
Our own Susan wrote:
It’s almost a mothering image. It shows us our Father’s true heart for us
Let’s look.
(Photo courtesy of Tema Miroshinencko)
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.
Hosea 11:3-4
4. Read Hosea 11:1-4
A. What do you learn about God’s love and His broken heart in verses 1-2?
B. Have you ever had a child break your heart like this? If so, what did that child fail to realize about you, at least at that time? (And consider how our love pales with God’s!)
C. What did God’s people not realize about God according to verses 3-4. Look deeply at the images again (as I had you look at them last week). Take time – remember Howard Hendricks shares how at Seminary their professor made them make 30 observations from one verse!)
Tuesday: How Can I Give You Up, Ephraim?
Sometimes God calls us to give tough love, but it tears our tender mothers’ hearts apart. I remember how sternly Steve spanked our boys when they were 7 and 10 and had joined some older boys in stealing candy from a 7/11. I thought my heart would break, yet I do understand it was love that motivated him. God will do that as well, like a good father, but His heart churns within Him, like a mother. God did allow His people to be deported to Assyria in 722 B. C. after giving them many chances to repent, but it tore at His heart to do so, and He only could because He knew one day they would come trembling back.
Prepare your heart with this:
5. Even after God rescued them from the slavery of Egypt, Israel wanted to go back. What do you learn from “Painting Pictures of Egypt?” How can you identify?
6. Read Hosea 11:5-11
A. Israel is flitting between Assyria and Egypt – what are they refusing to do? (v. 5)
B. What does God see will happen to them as a result? (v. 6)
C. What are God’s people determined to do, yet what do they say? (v. 7)
D. Describe God’s heart concerning this? (Verses 8-9)
E. He will allow them to suffer, but only because He sees the future. What is it? (Vs. 10-11)
Derek Kidner says that here we see God’s anguish over our disobedience. We see that “divine love is more, not less, ardent and vulnerable than ours.”
Wednesday: Labor & Love
7. Read John 16:21
A. What grief does a mother need to go through to give birth when “her time” comes? (And in biblical days there was a great risk to her life.)
B. How does she feel after it is over?
C. What labor did Jesus have to go through when it was His time to suffer to give us new birth? Why did He do it?
D. Thoughts on the above?
8. To whom is Jesus speaking in Matthew 23:1 and also Matthew 23:29?
9. Read Matthew 23:37-39
A. When a name is spoken twice in Scripture, it is almost always in anguish. (Absalom, Absalom; Martha, Martha) What name does He say twice here and who is this city supposed to represent?
B. What have they done to those He sent to them?
C. Yet how does He feel about them?
D. What “feminine” picture is painted?
There is a story of firefighters in a National Park finding a calcified mother bird sitting on her nest. She stayed through the fire to protect her young.
Thursday: Can A Mother Forget?
10. Read Isaiah 49:15-16
A. What is the implication about mothers in verse 15a? If you are a mother, how true is that of you? How true was it of your mother?
B. What does God promise us even if we are forgotten?
C. What proof does He give in verse 16? (Engraved in Hebrew is like with a nail)
D. Jesus repeated this promising, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” For this reason, why is He our only Solid Rock?
Friday: Keller sermon on Isaiah 49:15.
11. Click below to hear his sermon and share your notes and comments:
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/can-a-mother-forget-6041/
Saturday:
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
60 comments
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! 💐♥️🙏
Happy Mother’s Day Laura!
Same to you, Laura, and to the ladies here! In whatever capacities God has given us to mother a child, God indeed is our perfect example. And when I feel like I have failed or am failing in my role, I can always go to our Abba Father and I know He will lift me up to His cheek and whisper words of comfort and affirmation.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I don’t think there is an emotion as strong as a mother’s (and father’s) love of her child. I remember when my children were small and I could not imagine them growing up and leaving home. I so wanted to be a really good mom and I felt so often that I had failed. But the love I had in my heart for each one, was so strong, that it helped me to see how much my own my loved me.
2. If possible, share a tender memory of your mother and what it showed about her. Thank God. How I thank God for my Mom. She grew up in a tiny town in North Dakota, the second youngest of seven children, with a single mom….my grandfather left and would come back once in awhile, but did not contribute anything but strife. My grandmother, who died before my parents even met, was a Christian and all the children grew up to be wonderful, productive adults. My mother was a nurse and she always found a way to help others in need. Being poor growing up, she always tried to help others in ways to make them feel successful, not to make them feel needy. She helped a sweet lady that worked at the hospital. The lady asked if she could help my mom clean our home, to earn some extra money. My mom hired her, but did not want her to feel like a maid, so my mom did the cleaning, while Leota ironed my dad’s shirts. Leota loved to iron. It was a sweet relationship and my parents both helped this lady in many ways. It taught me that there are ways to help people in need in a sweet humble way. (A bit of a rabbit trail)
3. How have you experienced the tender love of God, like a mother, recently? Yes, I have experienced His love through our children and dear friends who have been the hands and feet of Jesus in encouraging me, as I care for my husband during this often rocky chapter of our life. They check in, stop by to visit and are available if I should need to go somewhere. They are so tender hearted towards him, as the conversations may be a bit weird sometimes, due to his dementia.
Patti, I loved the stories about your grandparents and parents. “It taught me that there are ways to help people in need in a sweet humble way.”
I was talking to a young friend (late 20s) who is also a nurse. She and her husband have 2 children. She told me about their parents’ messy divorces. She then said that she and her husband have committed themselves not to repeat their parents’ mistakes. She is trying to forgive her mom for things that she felt were hurtful to her and her sister while growing up. She and her husband are Christians. It has been a privilege to spend time with this young friend. She and I are hoping to co-teach this fall, Lord willing!
So true, Bing!! Thankful to our Abba Father.
Bing, I did not see your comment until now…my comment was on something you wrote earlier. What a sweet story about your nurse friend and forgiveness to her mom. I hope you are able to co-teach with her!
Happy Mother’s Day to all of you!
Same to you, Patti!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? They were surprised that after coming to Christ how deep His love was and how tender. I had a great grandfather who was a preacher Such strictness in the family. Little joy Pictures from that time always showed stern looking people I seldom cry but mostly it’s at worship when I shed tears. I don’t know what to do with all the emotion Holy Spirit brings out of me so it sometimes seeps out of my eyes
2. If possible, share a tender memory of your mother and what it showed about her. Thank God. I thank God for my mom but tenderness wasn’t a big part of her makeup For many years from time she was born she had a hard life. She learned at a young age to just keep her emotions inside
3. How have you experienced the tender love of God, like a mother, recently? Because of God s goodness, this blog and I’m reading Dee s book He calls you beautiful, I think I’ve had revelation. I admire you lovely ladies for your wisdom, insight, and faith. I m not good at putting things into words and may still be processing, but I’ve expected perfection from myself in my relationship with the Father and Christ. Sometimes when I sing or read a statement about devotion or obedience to them I dismiss myself because of my failure to meet what I see as the Christian standard. Last evening and at church this morning it seems like I’m accepting myself as an imperfect follower of Christ but still confident I am a follower. Christ is perfect. I will not be. I’m given His perfection. (I hope thats theologically correct)
That is so very theologically correct! And I love it that He Calls You Beautiful helped you!
Judy, I think you express yourself well with your words.
Judy, I love your honesty. I do believe we are all imperfect but true followers of Christ when we trust in Him. “I’m given His perfection”!
2. If possible, share a tender memory of your mother and what it showed about her. Thank God.
I remember when my mom came to visit me at my apartment when I was in college. I was a stubborn young adult who decided not to live with my sister, but rather go off on my own. I lived in a less than desirable apartment complex with no furniture. I slept on a 3 in piece of foam. I had nothing in my refrigerator and was next to the laundry room so the bugs (spiders and roaches) would visit often. The complex had many losers from life; druggies and such. I really didn’t spend a lot of time there because I was studying and working as a waitress 40 hours a week. It was a rough time in my life. Mom held it together until she left. As she walked down the sidewalk to leave, I saw her crying. It was eye opening, as my mom was a very strong woman. It woke me up a bit for sure. So anyone who wonders about our daughter and all we went through in the past 10 years, I suppose I “deserved” it 😉.
That’s quite a story, Laura!
Laura, what a story! I have a few stories myself of how I dealt poorly with my Mom. Now that I have a daughter who is very independent and willful, I understand how my mom must have felt. God has given you and me an opportunity to write a new chapter in our relationships with our daughters. I love you dearly!
Such a sweet story of love, Laura. Thank you for sharing this!
Mother’s Day!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“…let’s consider His tender mothering qualities as a balm to our souls, for Satan wants to paint a very different picture of God to keep us backing up from Him. But indeed, He is as tender as a mother.”
I love how Henri Nouwen’s painting of the “Return of the prodigal son” showed 2 different hands, that of a father and a mother. Only God can both be a father and a mother to each one of His children and do each role perfectly. I often thought of Rev. Charles Miller, a Southern Baptist missionary who lived in the Philippines for so many years. Filipinos were drawn to him because of his tenderness. Many erring “younger sons” came to know Christ because of his witness and tender loving care to them. He was like a father and mother to many of us, though imperfect.
2. If possible, share a tender memory of your mother and what it showed about her. Thank God.
I love to do dishes by hand and many a friend who “loves” their dishwashers are shocked! LOL, I often told them the reason why is because of fond memories of my Mom and I doing dishes while I was growing up. We would talk about life in general and I would have her all to myself. It showed her capacity to listen and to share her dreams for our future. I think of her often when I do the dishes. Thank you, Lord, for my Mom. I wouldn’t be a nurse and a teacher enjoying this calling if it were not for her.
3. How have you experienced the tender love of God, like a mother, recently?
Ruth, our daughter, had an open house for our family and her friends last Saturday. We went over to her house the day before and got her house prepped and food cooked for the occasion. This was many weeks in the making.
She asked me to cook 2 special Filipino dishes which took a lot of prep time. As we sat at the table and wrapped meat mixture for egg rolls (lumpia in the Philippines), I thought about how far we have come in our relationship. How I did not mind doing the hard work so she can enjoy her new place and her family and friends.
I was reminded how God cares for me in ways that are more than my best care for our daughter. His tender words of affirmation (I have this, Bing, just enjoy your daughter and these precious times) as I went about greeting her friends, listening to their bantering about topics that would not necessarily be my choice of conversation pieces, (30 years of age difference with many of them!) gave my heart peace. His mother’s heart spoke to my mother’s heart.
I so love hearing about the healing happening with Ruth, Bing!
Thanks, Dee! I do long for her to give back her heart wholeheartedly to the Lord and I pray for myself to love her unconditionally and as God would have me love her. I see so much of the older brother in myself when I relate to her.
I love the mother-daughter time together preparing for the open house. Such precious motherly love: How I did not mind doing the hard work so she can enjoy her new place and her family and friends.
4. Read Hosea 11:1-4
A. What do you learn about God’s love and His broken heart in verses 1-2? How God had loved and watched over them calling them out of slavery, but they turned away and sacrificed to idols.
B. Have you ever had a child break your heart like this? If so, what did that child fail to realize about you, at least at that time? (And consider how our love pales with God’s!) That I loved him and that though made parenting mistakes I still loved him then and now. God makes no mistakes and sees my foolishness that breaks His heart.
C. What did God’s people not realize about God according to verses 3-4. Look deeply at the images again (as I had you look at them last week). Take time – remember Howard Hendricks shares how at Seminary their professor made them make 30 observations from one verse!) Such tenderness, the kindness, the love, the teaching, the coaching, the guiding, the healing, the lifting and feeding. I think back to the feelings towards my newborn and the tenderness and watching over him as he grew and and coaxing him as he learned new things. The joy in watching him reach milestones
4. Read Hosea 11:1-4
A. What do you learn about God’s love and His broken heart in verses 1-2? God heart aches as His people turn away from His love and give their worship to idols. They are wayward children, who do not recognize God’s deep love for them.
B. Have you ever had a child break your heart like this? If so, what did that child fail to realize about you, at least at that time? (And consider how our love pales with God’s!) My children have broken my heart when they have turned away from my love, not realizing how deeply I love them and how much I long to hold them in my arms and hold that child’s cheek to mine. That kind of heartbreak shatters my entire being. I am so thankful to God, when that child returns and realizes how deep my love is for him or her. It really helps me to see how deeply God yearns to have us depend totally on Him, only for everything. Now my grown children experience it with their children and it gives us a bond.
That’s true about how grown children experience it and that gives us a bond.
4. Read Hosea 11:1-4
A. What do you learn about God’s love and His broken heart in verses 1-2?
He loved him as a child and his child turned away. He was saddened.
B. Have you ever had a child break your heart like this? If so, what did that child fail to realize about you, at least at that time? (And consider how our love pales with God’s!)
Oh yes. Our second born son (now 32) broke my heart. I don’t know if he knew how much I loved him. I don’t know if he knew how much I would go to bat for him.
C. What did God’s people not realize about God according to verses 3-4. Look deeply at the images again (as I had you look at them last week). Take time – remember Howard Hendricks shares how at Seminary their professor made them make 30 observations from one verse!)
He says they didn’t know how much he was loved.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The people who before they came to Christ thought of God as a stern father instead of loving and tender. I think that is common with many unbelievers.
2. If possible, share a tender memory of your mother and what it showed about her. Thank God. My mom used to put on records, pick us up and slow dance with us. There were 4 of us at the time so we had to take turns, but it was nice that she took time for each of us.
Sweet memory.
5. Even after God rescued them from the slavery of Egypt, Israel wanted to go back. What do you learn from “Painting Pictures of Egypt?” How can you identify?
They are refusing to repent and turn back to God, even after He rescued them out of Egypt. I looked up the lyrics and I loved this:” But the places that used to fit me Cannot hold the things I’ve learned”. When we come to know Jesus, some of our “old” self often pops up. Jesus, like a loving parent, draws us back to Him. We are sometimes disloyal in our behavior to Him, even after all the love He has shown. Yet, He still runs after us, and helps us see that the old sins are no longer as comfortable as they once were.
6. Read Hosea 11:5-11
A. Israel is flitting between Assyria and Egypt – what are they refusing to do? (v. 5) They are not totally committed to the Lord; they refuse to repent and they do not Exalt Him. They are like disobedient children.
B. What does God see will happen to them as a result? (v. 6) They may be punished due to their own foolishness.
C. What are God’s people determined to do, yet what do they say? (v. 7) They are determined to turn on him, as backsliders.
D. Describe God’s heart concerning this? (Verses 8-9) God is heartbroken, yet He is God not man. He is not vindictive, He loves them so and like a parent longs to have relationship with them.
E. He will allow them to suffer, but only because He sees the future. What is it? (Vs. 10-11) Though they deserve to be destroyed, He will not destroy Israel, for God is full of compassion and long suffering. His heart aches because He sees that their behavior will cause them suffering.
Derek Kidner says that here we see God’s anguish over our disobedience. We see that “divine love is more, not less, ardent and vulnerable than ours.”
4. Read Hosea 11:1-4
A. What do you learn about God’s love and His broken heart in verses 1-2?
From the very beginning of life, God was there for me, lovingly caring for me through my parents, grandparents, and godly men, and women who crossed my path. Along the way, I forgot who was bringing me to the place where I was, but trust in people, things, accomplishments to make me whole in body and soul, and spirit.
B. Have you ever had a child break your heart like this? If so, what did that child fail to realize about you, at least at that time? (And consider how our love pales with God’s!)
Yes. There were times I felt used, forgotten, and misunderstood. I was “raining on her parade” instead of having her best interest in mind. It was easy for me to withdraw love and acceptance. But God, in His mercy, instead, has drawn nearer to me during my times of rebellion.
C. What did God’s people not realize about God according to verses 3-4? Look deeply at the images again (as I had you look at them last week). Take time – remember Howard Hendricks shares how at Seminary their professor made them make 30 observations from one verse!)
D. Led them with cords of kindness and ties of love-I often walk my daughter’s dog, Sam, whenever I go for a visit. I thought of the leash (cord) and her collar (ties). Sam sometimes would balk at these 2 contraptions. But I know that both are there for his safety, protection, and guidance. A squirrel is often an enticement for Sam and would run after one oblivious to the danger. He would sometimes eat anything off the grass or the sidewalk, but I would keep an eye on him and give him a quick tug. He doesn’t like it, but I know whatever it is, is not good for him. And Sam, though a dog, has a special corner in my heart.
How like our God to “cord or tie” us to Himself through His Word, conviction from the Holy Spirit, and loving rebuke from godly Christians.
Lifts a child to his cheek and bends down to feed them-A memory that comes to mind is Ruth at a little less than 1 year old, falling out of her baby walker and crying out loud. I picked her up and put my cheek against her until her cries subsided. My mother’s heart ached though there was much satisfaction that I can meet my daughter’s needs for comfort. The image of bending down is such a humble way of putting oneself to the level of a child to feed them. I think of the many times I assisted patients with eating; I would always sit down at their level so they could see me eye to eye. And it seems to me that this position often brings calm to my patients, especially those who are confused. God, my Creator and of the universe, and who sits on the heavenly throne, lifting me up to His cheek and Jesus “bending” down from His throne, coming to earth in the flesh so He can feed me with Himself, be my bread of life brings me comfort like no other.
Bing, This is such a wonderful image: God, my Creator and of the universe, and who sits on the heavenly throne, lifting me up to His cheek and Jesus “bending” down from His throne, coming to earth in the flesh so He can feed me with Himself, be my bread of life brings me comfort like no other.
Your illustrations as a mother and a nurse are wonderful, Bing.
Amen, Dee! What a gesture of pure and sweet humility, Bing: I think of the many times I assisted patients with eating; I would always sit down at their level so they could see me eye to eye. And it seems to me that this position often brings calm to my patients. I so see Jesus in you.
5. Even after God rescued them from the slavery of Egypt, Israel wanted to go back. What do you learn from “Painting Pictures of Egypt?” How can you identify?
It was uncomfortable; going back to Egypt would have felt better. I think home feels good, but we are meant to fly so we can grow.
6. Read Hosea 11:5-11
A. Israel is flitting between Assyria and Egypt – what are they refusing to do? (v. 5)
They are refusing God.
B. What does God see will happen to them as a result? (v. 6)
They will go to war with their enemies.
C. What are God’s people determined to do, yet what do they say? (v. 7)
They are deserting God. They call Him the most high but doing honor Him.
D. Describe God’s heart concerning this? (Verses 8-9)
He is heartbroken. He wants to lash out but realizes He can’t. He loves them too much.
E. He will allow them to suffer, but only because He sees the future. What is it? (Vs. 10-11)
He knows they will return one day.
7. Read John 16:21
A. What grief does a mother need to go through to give birth when “her time” comes? (And in biblical days there was a great risk to her life.)
We are anxious, fearing the unknown, tired, in pain, and lonely.
B. How does she feel after it is over?
Relieved, exhausted, happy, overjoyed, in pain.
C. What labor did Jesus have to go through when it was His time to suffer to give us new birth? Why did He do it?
Scared, overwhelmed, exhausted, pained, lonely, and anxious.
He did it for us! Thank You Jesus!
D. Thoughts on the above?
Wow, I never thought of it that way before.
7. Read John 16:21
A. What grief does a mother need to go through to give birth when “her time” comes? (And in biblical days there was a great risk to her life.) There is fear of the unknown, the feeling of isolation if you are alone, pain like none you have known.
B. How does she feel after it is over? The pain of childbirth fads, once you experience the joy of holding your baby in your arms.
C. What labor did Jesus have to go through when it was His time to suffer to give us new birth? Why did He do it? Jesus wept tears of blood
Jesus was abandoned by his disciples, who all fell asleep when He had gone to pray. He asked the Father, to take this cup from Him~ yet not His will but the Father’s will be done. He was in anguish and his sweat was like drops of blood. He took on all our sins, so that we may have eternal life with Him~ He died for all of us.
D. Thoughts on the above? Jesus experienced the fear, abandonment, isolation, pure agony, as a mother birthing a child. But His joy was in opening a path for His children to spend eternity with Him. He desires us to be with Him so much, that He took our sins with Him when He gave His life.
8. To whom is Jesus speaking in Matthew 23:1 and also Matthew 23:29? Jesus spoke to the crowds and His disciples (about the scribes and Pharisees) in Matthew 23:1. Jesus spoke to the Scribe, Pharisees, calling them hypocrites Matthew 23:29.
9. Read Matthew 23:37-39
A. When a name is spoken twice in Scripture, it is almost always in anguish. (Absalom, Absalom; Martha, Martha) What name does He say twice here and who is this city supposed to represent? Jerusalem, Jerusalem. Jesus is mourning the unfaithfulness of God’s chosen people and their eternal legacy of stoning God’s messengers and prophets.
B. What have they done to those He sent to them? They have killed the prophets of God.
C. Yet how does He feel about them? He loves them so, like a parent, yet they continue to reject His love.
D. What “feminine” picture is painted? He desires to gather them, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they are unwilling.
There is a story of firefighters in a National Park finding a calcified mother bird sitting on her nest. She stayed through the fire to protect her young. Such a beautiful picture of a mother’s unwavering, unconditional and unending love.
Tuesday: How Can I Give You Up, Ephraim?
Sometimes God calls us to give tough love, but it tears our tender mothers’ hearts apart. I remember how sternly Steve spanked our boys when they were 7 and 10 and had joined some older boys in stealing candy from a 7/11. I thought my heart would break, yet I do understand it was love that motivated him. God will do that as well, like a good father, but His heart churns within Him, like a mother. God did allow His people to be deported to Assyria in 722 B. C. after giving them many chances to repent, but it tore at His heart to do so, and He only could because He knew one day they would come trembling back.
Prepare your heart with this:
1. Even after God rescued them from the slavery of Egypt, Israel wanted to go back. What do you learn from “Painting Pictures of Egypt?” How can you identify?
Sara is a gifted lyricist. I had to listen to the song a few times to get the beat and the message but oh so true. I can identify with the desire to go back but I also know deep in my heart, things in “Egypt” will never satisfy my heart’s desire.
I sometimes long for the comfort, the “I don’t care” attitude but God keeps me from going back. Life in Jesus is so much more beautiful than the pictures of Egypt. He is painting everything good, beautiful, and perfect in my life.
5. Read Hosea 11:5-11
A. Israel is flitting between Assyria and Egypt – what are they refusing to do? (v. 5)
They refuse to repent.
B. What does God see will happen to them as a result? (v. 6)
Assyria will rule over them. They will die and their plans will come to naught.
C. What are God’s people determined to do, yet what do they say? (v. 7)
They called God the Most High but were determined to turn their backs on Him. They give lip service but their hearts are far from God.
A. Describe God’s heart concerning this? (Verses 8-9)
His heart is broken but compassion is aroused within and He will bring about their return.
B. He will allow them to suffer, but only because He sees the future. What is it? (Vs. 10-11)
There will be a future for God’s people and they will be trembling as they come back to Him. I can almost sense the anguish of God as He sees into the future and in order to satisfy His righteous anger, He would have to give His Son in their place, in our place.
Derek Kidner says that here we see God’s anguish over our disobedience. We see that “divine love is more, not less, ardent and vulnerable than ours.”
My disobedience breaks the heart of God. And yet He loves me. Lord, help me see your loving kindness and not doubt your sovereignty and you’re working out your purposes in my life. You know I like to be in control. Help me let go and let you be the Lord of my entire life.
Beautiful prayer, Bing. I need this right now. 🙂
My disobedience breaks the heart of God. And yet He loves me. Lord, help me see your loving kindness and not doubt your sovereignty and you’re working out your purposes in my life. You know I like to be in control. Help me let go and let you be the Lord of my entire life.
I can so echo your prayer, Bing.
8. To whom is Jesus speaking in Matthew 23:1 and also Matthew 23:29?
His disciples and the crowds.
The Pharisees and teachers.
9. Read Matthew 23:37-39
A. When a name is spoken twice in Scripture, it is almost always in anguish. (Absalom, Absalom; Martha, Martha) What name does He say twice here and who is this city supposed to represent?
Jerusalem. This represents God’s people, the Jews.
B. What have they done to those He sent to them?
They have killed and stoned the prophets and messengers.
C. Yet how does He feel about them?
He wants to protect them.
D. What “feminine” picture is painted?
A mommy taking care of her babies by hugging them tightly.
10. Read Isaiah 49:15-16
A. What is the implication about mothers in verse 15a? If you are a mother, how true is that of you? How true was it of your mother?
There is a bond between a mother and her child. I believe I have felt that bond, but it has diminished (at least for me) when my children have disappointed me. Now that 3 are living outside the home, and we rarely get to be together, the bond has lessened as well. I can look back and remember fond memories though; when we were together and relied on one another all the time. I think it was similar to my experience.
B. What does God promise us even if we are forgotten?
He says that He has written our names in the palms of His hands. He will never forget us.
Remember how Jesus told Nathaniel: Here is an Israelite in whom there is no guile? I see that honesty in you, Laura.
Awwww, thanks Dee.
C. What proof does He give in verse 16? (Engraved in Hebrew is like with a nail)
He has written our names in His palms.
D. Jesus repeated this promising, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” For this reason, why is He our only Solid Rock?
Others will leave us. Others will forsake us.
Thursday: Can A Mother Forget?
—I’m kind of jumping back into the middle of things this week. Yesterday I took time to read Dee’s lesson and then all the comments written so far. I have been blessed in doing that.
Dee’s comment “So this week, let’s consider His tender mothering qualities as a balm to our souls…” is a refreshing reminder to stop and receive that balm to my soul. The world batters us constantly with heart ache and trials but as I consider the mother like tenderness of God and the image of him bending down to care for us, for me, it cheers my heart. That’s an image of his close presence. I am growing in that knowledge of his nearness and his comfort.
10. Read Isaiah 49:15-16
“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.”
A. What is the implication about mothers in verse 15a? If you are a mother, how true is that of you? How true was it of your mother?
—It is impossible for a mother to forget the child she gave birth to and nursed at her breast. There is an intimacy and a bond in a healthy mother / child relationship that develops from the closeness of caring for their child.
—My memories are strong of each of my children as infants.
—My Mom is 98 and living in a very diminished state in a care home and she sleeps a lot but the one thing that brings a quick and genuine smile to her face is seeing the face of one of her children. She lights up when we come to see her.
B. What does God promise us even if we are forgotten?
—He will never ever forget us.
C. What proof does He give in verse 16? (Engraved in Hebrew is like with a nail)
—It was with great pain and suffering He died for us. (Nails through his hands)
D. Jesus repeated this promising, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” For this reason, why is He our only Solid Rock?
—Because He is God. There is no one else who has a perfect deep love for us like He does.
“For God so loved the world that he gave…”
John 3:16 a
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us….”
1 John 4:16a
From Bev:
The world batters us constantly with heart ache and trials but as I consider the mother like tenderness of God and the image of him bending down to care for us, for me, it cheers my heart.
Read Isaiah 49:15-16
A. What is the implication about mothers in verse 15a? If you are a mother, how true is that of you? How true was it of your mother? That a nursing mother can’t forget her baby and have no compassion on her child I don’t forget even when they have been angry with me I don’t forget. My mom didn’t forget
B. What does God promise us even if we are forgotten? Emphatically that He won’t forget us.
C. What proof does He give in verse 16? (Engraved in Hebrew is like with a nail) that we re engraved on the palm of His hand. How poignant that engraved means a nail as Jesus was nailed on the cross for us
D. Jesus repeated this promising, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” For this reason, why is He our only Solid Rock? He never leaves or forsakes We are never alone, We are always just a prayer away from His help. We can depend on Him.
Wednesday: Labor & Love
7. Read John 16:21
A. What grief does a mother need to go through to give birth when “her time” comes? (And in biblical days there was a great risk to her life.)
Unexplainable pain like no other (I went into labor for half a day before we decided that I needed a C-section especially since my bag of Waters broke in the early morning). Fear for my life and my baby if something goes wrong.
B. How does she feel after it is over?
She forgets her anguish because of the joy of seeing her baby.
C. What labor did Jesus have to go through when it was His time to suffer to give us new birth? Why did He do it?
Shame, scorn, rejection, betrayal of those closest to Him-He died for you and me because of His great love for us and his complete obedience to the will of the Father.
D. Thoughts on the above?
Jesus loves me this I know. Oh, to see that He loves me!
8. To whom is Jesus speaking in Matthew 23:1 and also Matthew 23:29?
To the crowds and to his disciples, and to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees.
9. Read Matthew 23:37-39
A. When a name is spoken twice in Scripture, it is almost always in anguish. (Absalom, Absalom; Martha, Martha) What name does He say twice here and who is this city supposed to represent?
Jerusalem, Jerusalem…Jesus refers to those who are persecuting Him and all believers, to those who won’t believe that God sent him to be their Savior.
B. What have they done to those He sent to them?
They have killed and stoned the prophets.
C. Yet how does He feel about them?
Like a mother longing to gather them into her arms
D. What “feminine” picture is painted?
A hen gathers her chicks under her wings.
There is a story of firefighters in a National Park finding a calcified mother bird sitting on her nest. She stayed through the fire to protect her young.
Oh that had to be a scary labor, Bing!
Thursday: Can A Mother Forget?
10. Read Isaiah 49:15-16
A. What is the implication about mothers in verse 15a? If you are a mother, how true is that of you? How true was it of your mother?
A mother can never forget her baby. My daughter is often the subject of my prayers, never a day when I do not think of her. My mother always longed for us her three children to be together. It was very difficult for her to have me so far from her. Whenever I get to visit the Philippines, she planned so my 2 siblings could visit her as well. Our pictures are on her wall and in her bedroom. We are ever before her.
I think of the placenta and the umbilical cord. Nothing ties us as a fetus to our mothers like no other. Our babies, while in the womb, are one with us. How can we forget? But we do! I have!
B. What does God promise us even if we are forgotten?
He would never forget us!
C. What proof does He give in verse 16? (Engraved in Hebrew is like with a nail)
He has engraved me on the palm of His hands. This metaphor suggests Jesus on the cross. His scarred nail-pieced hand made it possible for me to be engraved on the Father’s palms!
D. Jesus repeated this promising, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” For this reason, why is He our only Solid Rock?
People sometime would say, “I would NEVER do that!” I had. I would never teach high school students. Hah! I taught high school students for almost 16 years. I would never like a cat. And here I am doting on Ellie, my daughter’s cat. The expression, “never say never” became a reality. Nevertheless, only Jesus can say, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” And that promise is ALWAYS true.
“On Christ, the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.”
In times like these by George Beverly Shea (God-given gift of song and voice)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcDG-icT0AI
Friday: Keller sermon on Isaiah 49:15.
11. Click below to hear his sermon and share your notes and comments: The question is if God really loved me why is there evidence against it. Why am I a failure? Why aren’t my prayers answered? There was a quote that we have to steal love for acceptance by what others say about us. God s answer is that just as a nursing mother can’t forget her infant and even if she could God would never forget us. Even though we add nothing to God He loves us unconditionally. In olden days a slave might have their master s name on their hand but never would the master have slaves name on their hand. And yet Christ s hands were pierced for us. We should not take our ID by what others say about us instead we should search and seek to understand and drilling into our heart how much God loves us and we can have blazing joy. Live in consciousness of this. A mother if she could would move heaven and earth for her child to help her child flourish God can move heaven and earth for us and we will flourish. Comfort our hearts and one another with these words. ( very good should listen to again.). See he s passed today. How sadd for his family and friends.
Judy, I love this message as well especially Tim’s explanation of v.15. His elaboration of a mother’s love (physical, emotional, and unconditional) is so good. and that God tops that! I am very sad about finding out about his death this morning. But he is home with our Abba!
How sad that my favorite pastor of all time passed away yesterday. How sweet that our sermon to end the week is him. Thank you Dee for introducing me to him so many years ago! I remember driving to NYC a few times to hear him preach at Redeemer. The church wouldn’t tell us when he was going to preach. We had to just show up and hope it was him! Every time we went he was there. I love Tim Keller! ♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏
Yes — many are mourning his death, including us. What a legacy he left.
Amen, Laura. Thank you Dee, for introducing me to Tim Keller too! His books and sermons have changed my heart and my life. What a joy and blessing to be able to hear him preach in person,
Laura, I also felt overwhelmingly sad over the passing of Tim Keller. I listened to him so much that I have forgotten that he was undergoing treatment for cancer! I appreciate the sensitivity with which his family kept us posted on what he was doing, where he was preaching, his treatments, etc. For some reason, I just believed he would be here for a while. So loved his parting words to his family-so like him. Aawww…I am bawling again.
Dee, thank you for including him in our study this week. I was actually listening to his message when I saw the news.
12. What is your take-a-way and why?
I just finished listening to Tim Keller’s sermon when I got the notice that he had gone to be with Jesus. These two quotes are not from our lesson, but have been on my mind since I read them on his facebook page: “All death can do to Christians is make their lives infinitely better.”, “There is no downside for me leaving, not in the slightest.”
Tim reminded us that Jesus is so much more than we really comprehend. He had so many excellent points about Isaiah 49:1-16. The following quotes and thoughts are my take-a -way, because I need to remind myself each day who is in charge of my life; I need to let go and let me be in charge; I need to be obedient to His Word.
It is so important that we know the love of God for us so well that it changes our hearts; it changes the way we feel about life and it needs to shape us.
We let ourselves absorb evidence against us. Inside evidence when we question how God could love me, because of my thoughts, sins and feelings that are sinful. Outside evidence of unanswered prayer or disappointment. Our feelings can waiver… These thoughts block the truth of God getting to our hearts.
God’s love is so much greater than even the great love of a mother for her child. I love the end of verse 15: “Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. ” An earthly mother can possibly forget her child, yet our heavenly Father will not forget us.
God loves us so much, He lets Himself be interrupted to hear our prayers, our heartache, our loneliness. I love how Keller talks about God engraving us on the very palm of His hand. That makes us pretty important to Him. The God of the Universe uses metaphors and similes ~ He wants us to THINK~ He wants to bring these truths to my heart until it begins to change me. It changes me through my mind, my emotions and my affection. God want me to think, then feel until His truth becomes intimacy and vivid in our hearts.
God’s love is indestructible and unconditional~ Everything about God’s nature drives Him powerfully toward us.
The radiance of His face over you is a dim hint of His delight over you, His creation. He is more fixed on you than a mother on her child. It is Unconditional. We give nothing~ He gives everything~ He is saying that He has done the thing you really need! He took your sins to the cross; He was forsaken by all; if you see that can’t you trust Him? Wow! I thought that was so powerful and we seem to let the truth slide away too easily at times.
IF this was an abiding reality what kind of person would you be? You would have a fountain of joy that no circumstance or tragedy could put a cork in. God is not done. All of this I need to remind myself daily.
Patti, thanks for your summary. I, too, loved this message. Something to go back to again and again. “The God of the Universe uses metaphors and similes ~ He wants us to THINK~ He wants to bring these truths to my heart until it begins to change me. It changes me through my mind, my emotions, and my affection. God wants me to think, then feel until His truth becomes intimacy and vivid in our hearts.” And this-we give nothing; He gives everything.
I also loved the metaphor of our walls being ever before Him. His eyes are fixed on me/us!
His message is my takeaway as well.
So good to repeat: The radiance of His face over you is a dim hint of His delight over you, His creation. He is more fixed on you than a mother on her child. It is Unconditional. We give nothing~ He gives everything~ He is saying that He has done the thing you really need! He took your sins to the cross; He was forsaken by all; if you see that can’t you trust Him? Wow! I thought that was so powerful and we seem to let the truth slide away too easily at times.
I needed to hear Tim Keller’s sermon. I’m going to listen again!
“Engraved on my hands” = chiseled with a nail and hammer. Whoa….
Amen, Laura!