Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Beyond the Ballot: Shiphrah and Puah



But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 
(Exodus 1:17)

I was struck by several things when reading about these two midwives –


1.  God’s redemptive plan can never be thwarted.  Even though Pharaoh went to great lengths to destroy the Israelite nation, his efforts were ultimately futile.  I’m sure those were uncertain and scary days in which to be living, yet the chosen people witnessed the power of their God prevail over the aggressive attacks of the enemy.  So in our day, whoever is elected to power is ultimately under the rulership of King Jesus and cannot overstep His decreed limits.

2. The extreme hardships that the Israelites suffered at the hand of the Egyptians brought about a beautiful response:  crying out to the Lord.  We do not know what the months and years ahead hold for the people of God in our country today, but whatever may come, may the church humble themselves before the Lord and cry out to Him for courage, help, protection, and provision. 


3. These two midwives exhibited great courage in the face of overwhelming odds.  And their faith and actions played an important role in God’s redemptive plan for His people.  Sometimes I wonder how soon I will be faced with the decision in my own day to “obey God rather than man.”  This is what Shiphrah and Puah demonstrated.  God’s people today must be ready to defend and sacrifice everything for what is precious and of value in the sight of God. 

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