– Scripture:
The king of Egypt had a talk with the two Hebrew midwives; one was named Shiphrah and the other Puah. He said, “When you deliver the Hebrew women, look at the sex of the baby. If it’s a boy, kill him; if it’s a girl, let her live.” But the midwives had far too much respect for God and didn’t do what the king of Egypt ordered; they let the boy babies live. The king of Egypt called in the midwives. “Why didn’t you obey my orders? You’ve let those babies live!” The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; they’re vigorous. Before the midwife can get there, they’ve already had the baby.” God was pleased with the midwives. The people continued to increase in number—a very strong people. And because the midwives honored God, God gave them families of their own. So Pharaoh issued a general order to all his people: “Every boy that is born, drown him in the Nile. But let the girls live.”
Exodus 1:15–22 MSG
– Reflection:
Sightline’s
How can we keep God in sight, in our line of vision, when the world spins around us? In today’s story, Shiprah and Puah, two lowly Hebrew midwives, are named as part of God’s redemptive work in the world. While others are named, they are remembered. When asked by the king to endanger the lives of boys born into the kingdom, Shiprah and Puah refuse. They choose otherwise. They preserve life instead of ending it. It’s hard to imagine being placed in such a provocative moment of decision making. Their lives were at stake for choosing otherwise. The king was out to kill anyone who threatened his power, even helpless newborns. They stood up to his cowardice with a tremendous act of courage. For that, they are remembered. They are named. And we can learn from them what it means to keep what is right, what is just, what is faithful, what is good in our line of sight.
Where do we go from here?
When you are facing tough decisions and everything feels uncertain, what do you focus on to stay centered? It could be an object, a scripture, a place, or a distant point to help you keep your focus on God. Think about what helps you stay centered, and remember it for the next time you face a critical moment.
Our Prayer for Today
Father, help us stay focused on what is good, right, just, and holy, even when it’s hard. Give us courage and fix our gaze on you. Amen.
Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach