Read:  (Exodus 1:1-22)  ~~A story of great courage~~

And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:  And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.  But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.  (Exodus 1:15-17)

Pharaoh’s instructions to the Hebrew midwives were to watch closely as the babies emerged from the womb.   After determining the sex of the baby, they were to kill all the baby boys.  We do not know the method of killing the king prescribed  but perhaps suffocating the little boy before he uttered his first cry.  In that way the midwife could tell the mother, Oh, I’m so sorry.  This one was stillborn.”

What a horrrible despicable  heinous murderous plan!  Frankly, it comes very close to the present heinous practice known as “partial birth abortion.”  However, these women feared God more than they feared the laws of the king.  They valued the life of these precious babies.  They honored God’s Word.  What heroines!  They were courageous women who counted the cost of disobeying the law of the land.  They knew they could be severely punished even lose their own lives.

The Pharaoh called for the midwives and asked them,  ”why have you saved the men children alive”?  I can almost see the scowl on his face when he asked them this question.  His stern look must have been a scary sight to behold.  Then comes their answer which defies all reason considering what the consequences could have been.   Actually, their answer was more than a little humorous.  Well….you know what king….these women are “lively”.  They are so “vigorous” king.  The Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women.  The Hebrew women are fast!  By the time we get the news they are ready to give birth, grab our medical bag, rush over to their home , it is over!  The baby is already born…alive and well…baby happy…parents happy….so then king….what can we do?”  Wow!!!!  These women need a medal of courage for their bravery!

Pharaoh must have had a bewildered look on his face after hearing these two women speak!  Upon hearing all the details of childbirth, the ends and outs of it, about the liveliness of Hebrew women when it comes to birthing,  he bought the whole thing.  Just imagine this kings demeanor and look of bewilderment after being put in his place by two women sanctioned by God to bring about His purpose and plan.  Who was he to come against these two knowledgeable  courageous brave women who knew all about childbirth?  Thankfully these two women feared God, and chose to obey Him rather than man.  Scripture tells us later the same of Moses’ own parents, “were not afraid of the king’s commandments” (Hebrews 11:23).

There are courageous men and women of faith today that stand on God’s Word!  They are stationed all over the world with the same like courage being a beacon of light for the Lord Jesus Christ.  They are examples of courage as many are being persecuted for being Christians.  They stand in the face of their enemy and say, “We fear God…we stand upon His Word….we won’t go against His authority…His commandments…His call to be a witness to all the world!  Many are being killed because they will not deny the Lord.   That is true courage in its’ truest form!

Praise God for such courageous people of faith!  May we be courageous beacon of lights for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  May we show true courage all the way throughout our life.  May we be examples of courage like the two Hebrew midwives in living courageous lives by the same exemplified witness.   God….help us to be full of courage so that we will be your beacon of light in this dark world today.  May we be remembered as courageous heroines and courageous heroes!   Hallelujah!

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.  (Ph. 1:28).

~~~Amen~~~