What are you GRATEFUL for?

I am reminded of the Bible story of a nation who was forced to abort their children. The midwives, however, did not arrive in time to execute the orders from Pharoah. One mother, Jochebed, chose to send her baby down the river hoping to save his life. His life was indeed saved by a woman who had a much different lifestyle than Jochebed. She was not Hebrew, but was Egyptian,  thus she followed all Egyptian customs, worshipped Egyptian gods and participated in the other pagan things Egyptians are involved with.

I suppose some would think Jochebed was outraged by the fact this daughter of a murderer took her son as her own, but the Bible does not bear that out. In fact, Jochebed became his nurse and had civil relation with the Egyptian for the sake of her son.

I imagine for Jochebed it wasn’t wrath she had toward this Egyptian woman. It was gratitude.  Gratitude for saving her child. Gratitude for caring for a child who was sentenced to death.  Gratitude for having a heart of compassion for a child that wasn’t even her own. And gratitude for choosing her to be his nurse.

Even though Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s house and learned Egyptian customs, he turned out ok. This mother wasn’t the least outraged because the one who ordered the  annihilation of so many children was now raising her son. She simply trusted the Lord. I’m sure she celebrated the Egyptian woman well and was so very grateful for her compassionate heart despite her loyalty to her murderous father.

Lord, search my heart ❤.  See if there is wickedness in me and wash me clean.. May my heart always find a way to celebrate another human despite their loyalty to other gods, ideals, or systems. Amen