I don’t know about you, but the next part of Jochebed’s story leaves me bewildered.  How on earth did she hide a baby for three months?!  My first son, Gabriel, was a screamer.  From Day 1 he was hardheaded and strong willed.  He would sometimes cry for an hour or more, unconsolably. Being my first, I assumed his baby temper tantrums were normal and still considered him an easy baby.  My husband, on the other hand, tried to convince me Gabriel was anything BUT an easy baby.  Then our next few kids came along and they were as mellow and delightful as could be.  My husband had been right.  Gabriel had NOT been an easy baby.

Perhaps Moses was an easy baby.  Perhaps he didn’t cry or fuss, but I find this very unlikely.  Babies first language is crying.  They cry when they are hungry, wet, tired, or just because they feel like it.  It is their way of communicating.  In Egypt, where the Hebrew population was bursting at the seams, undoubtedly Jochebed and Amram would have had neighbors. The task of keeping a newborn baby hidden for three months must have left Jochebed sleep-deprived and continually vigilant.

Within those three months, however, Jochebed would have also had quiet moments of baby snuggles.  At one month, he would have started to lift his head while lying on his tummy, and began to coo and gurgle.  By two months old, Moses would have discovered his hands and began to laugh and smile.  By three months, he would have been able to support his upper body with his arms while lying on his tummy and began blowing bubbles.  He would recognize his parents’ faces and interact with his siblings.  He would have been the center of attention and joy in the family.

All the meanwhile, Jochebed knew her time with Moses was growing short.  Soon he would be too big to conceal.  Soon he would be too mobile to contain.  Soon God would ask her to let him go.

1. While you find yourself in a season of your child leaving the nest, take time to thank God for the wonderful memories and moments you have shared with your child.
2. Pray  as the time draws closer God will use you to speak hope and encouragement into the life of your child as they prepare to be out on their own.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3:1