Inspirational Message: Family Life Mattered to Elisheba

She was Aaron’s wife and sister-in-law to Moses and Miriam. Comments are limited about Elisheba in the Bible, but she was probably well known to the Israelites as wife of Aaron; the high priest. She was the mother of four sons after marrying Aaron. Leviticus 10:1-2 describes the death of her first two sons. Instead of following God’s instructions in worship, they made an unauthorized incense offering. God punished them and they were consumed by fire. It is a known fact that soon after the incident, God warned Aaron and his sons not to drink before worship (Leviticus 10:8-11). Scholars of biblical studies wonder if they were drunk at that time when worship rituals were really taken seriously by all Israelites.

The women of the Bible studied in several categories. We know about named, unnamed, wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, mothers, widows and other women. We are all very important to God. Whether we as women are mentioned in books, have been award winners or have been known worldwide, God cares, His son died for us and therefore we have not been forgotten by Him! Since we are guided by our Creator to do His will because we have a special connection to Him. We are to reach out to others and to help them understand God’s role in their lives.

In our time, we as Christian mothers may faithfully witness to our children. Sometimes we can help them and often we are unable to get their attention. With this family, God provided for us a positive role model in Elisheba, as a believing mother, with great blessings. Eleazar, Elisheba’s third son, honored his parents’ faith by following in their footsteps. He became the head of the Levites and then became a high priest in Aaron’s place. What is the value of godly role models? God may have put certain people in places of authority to have helped Moses and Aaron as well as the assistance we need today. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Get Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there” (Numbers 20:23-26). With childhood to adult observations of Moses and Aaron before helping Joshua with whom he was paired to lead the Israelites into the promised land. As a trusted advisor, Eleazar, probably supervised everything in the tabernacle. We, as modern-day believers, can continue to ask God to point out helpers, advisors and valuable role-models to help us fulfill His will in our lives. God puts people in our lives to help prepare us for His work. We can also ask God to help us persevere. Thank Him for His compassion and everlasting love, forgiveness and patience with wisdom to share helpful information with others.

All women of God want to be proud mothers, but if that is not possible we can be role models to children in the family and in our communities and add on foreign mission sponsorships. Since we continue to look to God, who is always in control, we can follow Elisheba’s example and be proud of His unexpected positive blessings of parenthood!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.