How can we trust God's sovereignty when facing unjust commands like in Exodus 1:16? Context Matters – Pharaoh’s Command and God’s Bigger Plan • Exodus 1:16: “and he said, ‘When you help the Hebrew women give birth, look at the birthstool; if it is a son, kill him; but if it is a daughter, she may live.’” • Human authority is abusing power; the command is clearly evil. • Yet the very chapter is framed by God’s earlier promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) that his descendants would be oppressed, then delivered with great possessions—showing God is not surprised. God’s Sovereignty Stands, Even Under Tyranny • Proverbs 21:1 – “A king’s heart is like a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” • Job 42:2 – “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” • Unjust rulers never sit outside God’s ultimate control; He overrules for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). The Midwives’ Faithful Response • Exodus 1:17: “The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.” • Key motives: fear of God over fear of man (Acts 5:29). • Result: God blessed them (Exodus 1:20-21)—tangible proof that obedience to God brings favor, even when costly. Why We Can Trust God When Commands Are Unjust 1. He sees the injustice firsthand (Exodus 3:7). 2. He sets boundaries on evil—Pharaoh’s plan ultimately fails (Exodus 12:31-32). 3. He weaves opposition into redemption; persecution led to Israel’s multiplication (Exodus 1:12). 4. He rewards faithful disobedience to sinful edicts (Hebrews 11:23). 5. He promises final justice—no evil act escapes His judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Practical Ways to Anchor Trust Today • Remember specific promises: Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 8:31. • Choose holy courage: follow conscience shaped by God’s Word rather than culture. • Expect God’s creative deliverance: He may use unexpected people—like midwives—to overturn evil. • Keep an eternal lens: present commands are temporary; God’s kingdom is forever (Daniel 4:34-35). Takeaway – Sovereignty You Can Lean On When human authority issues unjust decrees, Exodus 1:16-21 shows that God remains in absolute control, invites His people to fear Him above all, and turns evil intentions into instruments of blessing and deliverance. Trusting His sovereignty is not blind optimism; it is confidence rooted in the unbreakable track record of the God who always keeps His Word. |
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