How should Christians respond to modern-day threats against life, reflecting on Exodus 1:16? Setting the Scene: Exodus 1:16 “ ‘When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them on the delivery stool; if it is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, let her live.’ ” Principle Drawn from the Passage • Pharaoh issued a direct assault on innocent life. • The midwives, fearing God, rejected the order (Exodus 1:17). • God rewarded their courage with blessing and legacy (Exodus 1:20-21). God’s Unchanging Valuation of Life • Life begins in the womb—Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5. • Every person bears God’s image—Genesis 1:26-27. • Shedding innocent blood brings divine judgment—Proverbs 6:16-19. Modern-Day Threats Against Life • Abortion and infanticide • Euthanasia and assisted suicide • Human trafficking and exploitation • Violent crime, terrorism, genocide • Disregard for the vulnerable (unborn, elderly, disabled, marginalized) How Christians Should Respond 1. Revere God Above Human Decrees – “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29 2. Refuse Participation in Death-Dealing Practices – Like the midwives, decline any role that destroys life. 3. Rescue and Advocate – “Rescue those being led away to death.” Proverbs 24:11-12 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 31:8-9 4. Promote Gospel-Rooted Alternatives – Support crisis-pregnancy centers, adoption, foster care, hospice care. – Offer counseling, material aid, and community to struggling families. 5. Engage Lawfully and Peacefully – Vote, petition, and legislate for life-honoring policies—Romans 13:1-4. – Participate in peaceful demonstrations and educational efforts. 6. Model Compassion and Hope – Offer forgiveness through Christ to those who have participated in sin against life—1 John 1:9. – Provide ongoing discipleship and practical help. Scriptures That Shape Our Convictions • Matthew 22:39—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” • John 10:10—Jesus came that people “may have life … abundantly.” • Isaiah 1:17—“Seek justice, correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless.” • Romans 12:21—“Overcome evil with good.” Practical Steps for Individuals and Churches • Educate children and congregations on the sanctity of life. • Volunteer or give to ministries protecting the unborn and vulnerable. • Offer mentoring, job training, and housing to at-risk parents. • Establish benevolence funds for medical, elder, and disability care. • Partner with law enforcement and NGOs to combat trafficking. • Maintain consistent, Christlike witness in speech and online engagement. Encouragement for Faithful Obedience • God sees and rewards quiet, courageous acts (Matthew 6:4). • Small refusals can alter history, just as two midwives preserved a nation. • Standing for life proclaims the character of the God who “knit me together” and who, through Christ, conquers death itself. |
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