Sunday 8 May 2011

Mother God?

It is Mothers Day today. In honor of all mothers and women out there I am going to spend a little time reflecting on God as a mother/female.

I know that this topic can be very controversial. This is not going to be an extensive argument; I am only throwing out a few verses and thoughts for you to chew on. Note: that I did not come up with this list on my own, I googled references to God as a mother in the bible, and this is some of what I found.

Please read, and ask God to speak to you, if there is any truth in this may it sink into your hearts and minds and impact your relationship with God in a deeply intimate way.

Female Images of God in the Bible
   
Genesis Women and Men created in God’s image

“Humankind was created as God's reflection: in the divine image God created them; female and male, God made them." 

Hosea 11:3-4 God described as a mother

God: “Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I who took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.”

Hosea 13:8 God described as a mother bear

"Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder...”

Deuteronomy 32:11-12 God described as a mother eagle

“Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.”

Deuteronomy 32:18 God who gives birth

“You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you; you forgot the God who gave you birth.”

Isaiah 66:13 God as a comforting mother

God: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 49:15 God compared to a nursing mother

God: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

Isaiah 42:14 God as a woman in labor

God: “For a long time I have held my peace, I have kept myself still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor, I will gasp and pant.”

Jeremiah 44:25 Queen of Heaven

“Thus says…the God of Israel: You and your wives have accomplished in deeds what you declared in words, ‘We are determined to …make offerings to the queen of heaven and to pour out libations to her.’ By all means, keep your vows and make your libations!”

Psalm131:2 God as a Mother

“But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.”

Psalm 123:2-3 God compared to a woman

“As the eyes of a servant looks to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to you, YHWH, until you show us your mercy!”

Matthew and Luke God as a Mother Hen

Jesus: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Luke 15:8-10 God as woman looking for her lost coin

Jesus: “Or what woman having ten silver coins, is she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Compiled by the Women’s Ordination Conference: http://www.womensordination.org/ - (202) 675-1006 - woc@womensordination.org

When I pray to God I never say Mother God, it is only ever Father God. God has decided to relate to us as a Father and of course Jesus was a male. There are all kinds of practical and cultural reasons for this and ultimately God knows best and has a reason for choosing to relate to us as a male and I am going to accept His decision, because He is GOD!
This being said, God is Spirit (see John ) and therefore God is neither male nor female. I think it is profoundly important to experience God as a Mother, because to only ever experience God as a Father is to miss out on experiencing Him fully. I have not entirely formulated this thought, but I do know that I need to experience God’s love, and since God is love, I need to experience God. I have had glimmers, but I want and need more! Maybe reflecting on God as my Mother will open my heart and mind to aspects of God that I have been missing out on.

What do you think? Is God not only our Heavenly Father but also are Heavenly Mother? If so, then are we missing out on parts of Gods character by limiting God to a male?

2 comments:

  1. Maria dear, I love how you challenge me to think outside the box. Thanks for being such a bright and passionate person. You make waves in this world girl and I know you really make a big difference to those who come into contact with you. Keep being awesome, and firey and passionate and challenging. Your reward will be great as you seek out truth and justice in this world. Love you.
    Suzanne

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  2. Thank you Suzanne :)

    I have to say though none of this is “me.” I don’t doubt that you have already pondered this, but this was something I was thinking about…

    How easily I can become prideful when people pay me compliments on my personality and giftings. Then I was thinking how silly that is, because like if I were to get prideful over my eye colour, which I have had no control over creating, it is the same with my personality and giftings, I have had very little to do with them. Jesus in me has created me to be a "think outside the box" kinda women, the passion and brightness is straight from His Spirit! Praise the Lord for how He has and is transforming us into beautiful people in His likeness :)

    I love you and I am looking forward to sharing life together this summer! SUMMER! Praise the Lord for sunshine and the beach! :)

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