“But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live” (Exodus 1:17 ESV).
Pharaoh was worried about the growing Hebrew population in Egypt, so he ordered the midwives to kill all the newborn boys at birth. But his decree had little effect because the midwives feared God more than they feared the king. In the midst of this terrible time of government ordered infanticide, God preserved the life of a baby boy named Moses. Ironically, he was rescued and adopted by the daughter of the very royal house that had ordered his death. God raised up this baby boy Moses to set his people free from slavery and death.
Centuries later, the Lord raised up our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ in similar manner. For the worldly King Herod ordered the death of all the baby boys in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill him. But God warned Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt and rescue his adopted son.
Do you see a trend? Those who fear God, rescue and adopt the children of humanity. They fear God more than they fear the worldly king. Those who have lost the fear of God, have lost even the basic human instinct to preserve and protect our own human offspring.
PRAYER: O Lord, we are broken hearted by those who would support the killing of babies. This is a great sin. Yet, we too must confess our own sins. We too are sinners in need of Your forgiveness and grace. Show us how to be as the midwives of Egypt who feared You more than the world’s king. In Jesus’ name, Amen.