Today at Alloway Church, Neil delivered an inspiring, encouraging, and relatable Mother's Day address that celebrated the remarkable role of women in the Bible and the incredible impact of mothers and mother figures in society.
Throughout the address, Neil highlighted the courage, faith, and perseverance of six women in the Bible: Jochebed, Rahab, Sarah, Rachel, Ruth, Hannah, and Mary. He shared personal anecdotes and reminded the congregation that Mother's Day is not just about biological mothers but also about anyone who has acted as a mother figure.
Neil reflected on the life of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, who surrendered what she treasured most to the will of God, saving Moses to become Israel's great prophet and lawgiver. He spoke about Rahab, who recognised the True God and became the ancestress of King David and the Messiah, Jesus. Neil talked about Sarah, whose offspring became the nation of Israel. He reflected on Rachel, whose sons became heads of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Joseph, who saved Israel during a famine, and Benjamin, whose tribe produced the apostle Paul. Neil also spoke about Ruth, whose love story is one of his favourite accounts in the entire Bible, and Hannah, who was an example of perseverance in prayer.
Neil reminded us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the only woman mentioned at the beginning and the end of His ministry. In His dying moments at Calvary, Jesus honored Mary by showing her love and care, entrusting her to John's protection.
He finished with the Jewish proverb, "God couldn't be everywhere, so He invented mothers," a testament to the special place that mothers hold in our lives. Neil urged everyone to give thanks for the wonderful care that mothers and mother figures provide, reminding them of the love, care, and sacrifices that mothers make every day.
Click the link below to see the full text of Neil's sermon address.