In the midst of dire circumstances, Jochebed’s faith shone through her actions. With meticulous care, she crafted a papyrus basket, coating it with tar and pitch to create a waterproof haven for her infant son Moses (Exodus 2:3). This seemingly simple act speaks volumes about her trust in God’s provision and protection.
The Hebrew word used for the basket in which Moses was placed is “tebah” (תֵּבָה), the same word used to describe Noah’s ark in the book of Genesis. This connection suggests that just as Noah’s ark was a means of salvation for him and his family during the flood, Moses’ basket served as a means of protection and deliverance for him amidst the threat of Pharaoh’s decree.
The materials Jochebed used were not random; they were intentional and purposeful. Papyrus reeds, readily available along the Nile, symbolize her resourcefulness. Bitumen and pitch, used as waterproofing agents, demonstrate her foresight and attention to detail. These elements combined to create a vessel that would carry her child to safety, much like Noah’s ark centuries before.
Jochebed’s faith was not passive; it was active and diligent. She didn’t merely pray for God’s intervention; she took practical steps to prepare for it. Her actions remind us that faith and preparation go hand in hand. We are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, but also to be wise stewards of the resources and opportunities He provides.
In our own lives, we may face situations that seem hopeless – financial struggles, health crisis, or relational strife. Like Jochebed, we may feel powerless against the currents that threaten to overwhelm us. Yet, her story invites us to craft our own “baskets of faith,” to take practical steps in obedience to God’s leading, trusting that He will use our efforts to bring about His purposes.
This might mean seeking wise counsel, developing a budget, or pursuing a healthier lifestyle. It could involve mending broken relationships, volunteering our time, or stepping out in faith to pursue a God-given dream. Whatever the situation, we are called to be proactive in our faith, to build our “baskets” with the materials God has placed in our hands.
As we do so, we can take comfort in knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Just as Jochebed’s basket carried Moses to a divine appointment with Pharaoh’s daughter, our acts of faith will not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father. He sees every stitch of obedience, every plank of trust, and He delights in weaving our stories into His grand tapestry of redemption.
So, what “basket” might God be calling you to craft today? What practical steps can you take to demonstrate your trust in His provision and protection? Remember, faith is not a feeling; it’s a choice to obey, even when the way seems uncertain. As you step out in obedience, you’ll find your faith growing stronger, your heart more attuned to His leading.
In the words of James 2:17, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Let us, like Jochebed, be people of active faith, building our “baskets” with courage and conviction, trusting that our God will use them to carry us – and those we love – to the very center of His will.
What materials has God already placed in your hands that you can use to craft your “basket of faith” today?