God as Mother - Feminine Metaphors

God as Mother - Feminine Metaphors

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, the central theme revolves around understanding the multifaceted nature of God through the lens of both masculine and feminine metaphors present in the Scriptures. The speaker begins by sharing his reflection on choosing a graphic of a mother and child to represent God, emphasizing that this might be an unconventional or even intimidating idea for some. However, the core message is that God is far greater than our limited human understanding and cannot be confined to any single definition or "box."

The teaching highlights that the Bible uses a rich tapestry of imagery to portray God's relentless love, passion, and mercy for creation. We are familiar with descriptions of God as a shepherd who cares for, protects, and nurtures His flock, even being present in the messy realities of new beginnings. This imagery conveys tenderness and close personal care. God is also described as a king, representing wisdom, strategic leadership, honor, and royalty. Furthermore, the Bible refers to God as a rock, symbolizing stability, strength, immovability, and a foundation. He is also called a healer, evoking images of comfort, gentleness, and the tending of wounds, often associated with a nurturing touch. The depiction of God as a warrior signifies His willingness to fight for His people. And the familiar term Father paints a picture of a leader, provider, and giver of inheritance.

The speaker then poses a crucial question: Why do we so rarely think of God as our mother? He acknowledges that for some, this might even sound like blasphemy, associating such an idea with paganism. However, he counters this by pointing out that biblical authors themselves employed feminine imagery to describe God. If we limit God to only one of these descriptions, we create a diminished, "small God" that fails to capture the vastness of His being.

It is crucial to understand that these descriptions are metaphors, not literal physical representations of God. Deuteronomy 4:15 reminds us that we saw no form of God, and therefore should not create idols or images in any shape, male or female. Jesus himself stated in John 4:24 that God is spirit, transcending biological gender limitations. Yet, despite not having a physical form or being confined by gender, God is a person who deeply desires relationship with humanity.

Genesis 1:27 states that God created humankind in His own image, both male and female. This suggests that both genders uniquely reflect different aspects of God's character, righteousness, mercy, compassion, and identity. The speaker uses the powerful analogy of a mother's unwavering and constant concern for her children, regardless of their behavior. This primal impulse to protect and nurture is universal.

Isaiah 66:13 provides a profound image: "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you". This verse, spoken by God, reveals His capacity to provide the unique and deep comfort associated with a mother's embrace. This is particularly relevant in times of distress, anxiety, shame, or when we feel like we have failed. Just as a child instinctively seeks the comfort of their mother, our God offers a similar embrace of safety and peace.

Isaiah 42:14 further illustrates this with God declaring, "Like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant". This intense imagery portrays God's overwhelming passion and energy in bringing His children home, overcoming any obstacle in their path. Similarly, Hosea 13:8 uses the fierce metaphor of a "bear robbed of her cubs" to describe God's protective and passionate response to anything that separates Him from His children. While a "papa bear" might also be protective, the "wrath of a mother for her young" is often perceived as all-consuming and utterly determined. The speaker uses a vivid illustration of a father and mother reacting to a house fire to highlight this difference in instinctive, reckless love for their children.

The story of the speaker's mother breaking a window to protect him as a child demonstrates this powerful, instinctive maternal love. Exodus 33:18-19 highlights God's compassion and mercy, stating, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion". The Hebrew word for compassion, "raham", is closely related to the word for "womb" (rahim), signifying the ultimate environment of all-giving love, nurturing, and security. This connection suggests that God's compassion is inherently "womb-like."

Hosea 11:3-4 speaks of God teaching Ephraim to walk, lifting them up, and feeding them, further illustrating tender, parental care. Even early church fathers like Clement of Alexandria spoke of God having breasts from which believers receive spiritual nourishment. However, over time, feminine attributes of God were often minimized. Job 38:28-29 poses questions like, "Does the rain have a father? Who fathers the drops of dew? From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?" This rhetorical questioning uses both masculine and feminine imagery to emphasize God's role as the ultimate creator and source of all things, beyond human gender constructs.

Jesus himself, in Matthew 23:37, uses a feminine metaphor, lamenting, "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing". This vulnerable image portrays Jesus' desire to nurture, protect, and keep His followers safe, echoing Psalm 36:7 and Psalm 17:8, which speak of taking refuge under God's wings and being kept as the apple of His eye.

Therefore, the teaching concludes that God is not only Father, but also embodies maternal qualities of caretaker, defender, healer, and provider. Limiting God to only masculine or only feminine traits creates a distorted and incomplete picture. For those who may have lacked a nurturing maternal figure in their lives, God offers that very comfort, security, and love. Psalm 131 beautifully describes a soul calmed and quieted like a weaned child with its mother, finding contentment and security in her presence. Our relationship with God should not solely be about requests or demands, but also about simply being in His presence, finding peace and contentment. Just as a mother yearns for her child to depend on her, God desires us to run into His arms, trusting fully in His care.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Seek Comfort in God's Maternal Embrace: When feeling hurt, ashamed, or overwhelmed, remember that God offers a comforting embrace like a mother holds her child. Turn to Him for solace and security.
• Trust in God's Protective Instinct: Just as a mother fiercely protects her children, God is relentless in His pursuit and protection of those who belong to Him. Trust in His unwavering protection in the face of challenges.
• Experience God's Nurturing Care: Recognize God's tender and nurturing care in your life, similar to how a mother provides for and guides her young. Allow Him to nourish you spiritually and emotionally.
• Find Peace in God's Presence: Cultivate moments of simply being in God's presence, like a contented child resting with its mother, without always needing to ask for something. Find peace and security in His nearness.

References

• Deuteronomy 4:15 - Biblehub.com
• Matthew 23:37 - Biblehub.com

Books and Resources Mentioned

• The Bible by Various Authors

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