Applause for Big Sisters!

Moses’ infancy predicts his destiny: one day, Moses will draw an entire nation out of their slave pens, lead them through the deadly waters, and shape them into God’s chosen people. But none of his miracles would have happened had it not been for his older sister Miriam, who provides her infant brother with his own birth mother’s nurture and an education in Pharaoh’s household. Now that’s the kind of big sister every child should have!

Miriam reappears in the Gospels, since our Lord’s mother, Mary, is named after this Hebrew heroine, just as her son, Jesus, was named after Moses’ successor, Joshua. Mary’s son Jesus will also lead God’s people on a second sacred journey, which we joined at our baptism.

While I never had an older sister, there have been some tremendous godly women who enriched my life, such as my Grade 6 teacher, Rachel Bollinger, who kindled in me a lifelong love of learning.

So, let’s give a big round of applause for all the big sisters out there, whom God still sends to keep his little ones safe.

Lord God, for all the Miriams out there today, we give you praise and hearty thanks. Amen. — BB