In what ways can we apply the midwives' faithfulness to our daily lives? Setting the Scene Exodus 1 describes Pharaoh’s ruthless decree to kill every Hebrew boy at birth. Two Hebrew midwives—Shiphrah and Puah—quietly refused. When questioned, “The midwives answered Pharaoh, ‘Hebrew women are vigorous and give birth before the midwife arrives’” (Exodus 1:19). Verse 17 explains their motive: “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them”. The Heart of Their Faithfulness • God-fearing conviction • Courage in the face of lethal authority • Commitment to protect innocent life • Creative wisdom under pressure • Trust that obedience is worth any cost Daily Life Applications 1. Fear God First • Matthew 10:28—“Do not fear those who kill the body… rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell”. • Make choices by asking, “Does this honor God?” before considering human opinion. 2. Defend the Vulnerable • Proverbs 31:8—“Open your mouth for those with no voice”. • Psalm 139:13—God knits every child in the womb; value life from conception to natural death. • Speak up for the unborn, the elderly, the marginalized. 3. Integrity in the Workplace • Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. • Refuse unethical directives, even if it risks promotion, popularity, or employment. 4. Courageous Creativity • Matthew 10:16—“Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves”. • Seek inventive, morally sound ways to uphold righteousness when systems are hostile. 5. Obedience Over Outcome • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men”. • Results are God’s domain; our part is faithfulness. God’s Reward for Faithfulness • “So God was good to the midwives… and He gave them families of their own” (Exodus 1:20-21). • Hebrews 11:6—He “rewards those who earnestly seek Him”. • 1 Samuel 2:30—“Those who honor Me I will honor”. Practical Steps This Week • Identify one area where people-pleasing overrides God-pleasing; change course. • Volunteer or give toward a pro-life or mercy ministry. • Memorize Exodus 1:17 to anchor courageous obedience. • Share the midwives’ story with a child or friend, emphasizing God’s worthiness of fearless loyalty. |
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