How can we apply the midwives' obedience to God in our lives today? Setting the Scene: Exodus 1:18 “So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, ‘Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?’ ” Why Their Example Matters • Shiphrah and Puah were ordered to kill Hebrew boys at birth. • They “feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them” (Exodus 1:17). • God responded: “Because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:21). Their story shows that reverent obedience to God outranks every earthly command. Courageous Fear of God • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than men.” • Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts the LORD is set securely on high.” Living this out today means: – Letting awe of God’s holiness guide choices before any human opinion. – Rejecting compromise even when authority, culture, or peer pressure demands it. – Trusting that God recognizes and rewards faith-driven risks. Choosing Life in a Culture of Death • Psalm 139:13-16 underlines God’s intimate care for life in the womb. • The midwives protected vulnerable lives at great personal cost. Application: – Support and defend the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, and all who cannot speak for themselves. – Champion adoption, foster care, crisis-pregnancy help, and any avenue that honors life. Obedience Above All: When Commands Clash • Daniel 3:16-18 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the idol. • Exodus 1 shows civil disobedience becomes righteous when rulers contradict God’s revealed will. Practical steps: – Know Scripture well enough to spot conflicts. – Maintain respect for authorities while firmly refusing sin. – Be prepared for cost; God may bless now, later, or eternally, but He always notices (Hebrews 6:10). Everyday Avenues for Midwife-Like Faithfulness Home • Model truth for children even when media, textbooks, or peers promote contrary values. • Guard what enters the household—streaming choices, online influences, conversations. Workplace • Refuse dishonest practices, false reports, or unethical orders. • Speak up for coworkers who are marginalized or mistreated. Community & Nation • Vote, advocate, and volunteer in ways that align with biblical righteousness. • Engage with compassion and clarity, avoiding anger or compromise. Church • Encourage one another toward courageous holiness (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Support missionaries and ministries standing for truth in hostile places. Personal Integrity • Decide convictions before the test arrives. • Memorize key verses (Psalm 119:11) so God’s Word shapes snap decisions. • Pray for boldness and wisdom daily, trusting the Spirit’s power (Acts 4:31). Encouragement and Promise “Whoever honors Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). God honored two obscure midwives; He will honor believers who quietly but firmly choose Him over every rival demand. Stand fast—your obedience today may safeguard lives, influence culture, and echo into eternity. |
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