Kingdom Minded Obedience
By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator
My husband and I had the honor of traveling to China with Light of the World Ballet this past Spring. One of the most memorable people I got to know was a Christian mom who has chosen to home school her two girls. In a Communist country, choosing to educate at home is not only a huge, bold commitment, it is illegal. She and her husband are doing what seems impossible- educating and training up their children, age 8 and 6, with a Biblical worldview. I was struck by her resolve to continue this path, despite the major obstacles. They cannot venture out of their home during the school day for fear of being caught, they do not have access to proper curriculum or teaching support, and they lack finances. Yet they persevere, despite the risks.
The book of Exodus relates an account of a mother defying the odds for her child’s sake. Moses had a determined mother similar to this Chinese mother. Her people, the Israelites, were living in slavery. Things became even worse when Pharaoh ordered the murder of all Israelite babies. In this oppressive environment, she also chose to risk everything to do the right thing. She put her baby in a basket and placed him in a river in order to save his life. What was going through her mind? Was she thinking about how such an act, if caught, could have cost her her life? Even though she must have been very scared, she was willing to defy in order do what was right, valuing the long term benefits above short term “safety”.
There has been, and will continue to be, very difficult challenges and situations that require much discernment and calling on the name of the Lord for guidance. It doesn’t matter the time in history, or where people live. Do we “give in” to the culture and the pressure surrounding us because it seems like the “easier and safer” thing to do? Or are we willing to sacrifice and take major risks when confronted with situations that we know are not in alignment with the Bible?
Look at the results of Moses’ mom’s decision to risk both their lives in order to the right thing. God’s favor was over Moses. He did not drown. When Pharaoh’s daughter saw him, she was moved to compassion and rescued him. His mother was asked to nurse him (with monetary payment) and as a result she did not completely lose contact with him. Over his lifetime Moses was the key figure that God used to deliver the Israelites into the promised land. Because of one mom’s dedication and drive, the course of history was changed.
Does this Chinese mom know the long term results of her devotion to God through her actions? Probably not, just as Moses’ mom had no clue what he would someday accomplish.
This devoted Chinese mom is walking forward in faith, knowing that if she is being obedient to God’s calling on her life, He will be faithful. Maybe her children are being prepared to play a key role in delivering their people.
I am sharing this story with you in hopes that we, as the body of Christ, can lift this precious family up to God and pray His favor over their lives. Specifically, that God would be their provider and protector.
Beyond that, these two moms can be an inspiration and reminder for us to be long term visionaries and stand firm for our childrens’ sakes. We live in a crooked generation, but there is hope. Our children can also stand up against oppression and lead our country out of oppression. They could very well be the catalyst to change the course of America’s history. I encourage you to take the pressure from God in your actions and decisions, not from the world. The health of childrens’ generation hinges on our willingness to obey God above all else, no matter the risk.
A song that truly speaks this message of God delivering us from whatever bondage we face is “No Longer Slaves.” I have included the link in order for you to be encouraged and strengthened.
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
