EXODUS 1

EXODUS 1

EXODUS 1

The nation growing. God promised that the descendants of Abraham would multiply greatly, and they did (Gen. 13:16; 15:5). God keeps His word and accomplishes His purposes in His time. Over the centuries, nations have tried to destroy Israel but have not succeeded. God gave Israel a special promise in Genesis 12:3, and He is keeping it. God’s children today should pray for Israel (Ps. 122:6), share the gospel with them (Rom. 1:16), and minister to them in practical ways (Rom. 15:25–27).

The nation groaning. God told Abraham that his people would experience suffering (Gen. 15:13–14). It is easy for nations and local churches to forget the heroes of yesterday (Heb. 13:7–8). Although we must not “embalm” the past, we certainly must not forget those who helped to make our future possible.

The new Pharaoh was more concerned about national security than human decency. When people become a means to an end instead of an end in themselves, we are not treating them as God wants us to. Enslaving the men and killing the baby boys were Egypt’s solution to “the Jewish problem.”

The midwives believed in obeying God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Thank God for concerned people who will courageously defend the little ones! God rewarded the women, not by making them sterile (which would have been safer), but by giving them families! This shows how valuable children are in the sight of God (Ps. 127:3–5). Ponder the words of our Lord in Matthew 18:1–6.

Obeying God

Moses’ parents and the Jewish midwives are not the only ones in Bible history who had the courage to put God’s will ahead of man’s law. Daniel and his friends (Dan. 1), the three Hebrew men (Dan. 3), and the apostles (Acts 4:19–20; 5:29) are other examples. Their aim was not to oppose a bad law but to uphold the glory and truth of God.

↑ Back to top