SHIPHRAH AND PUAH

Imagine being given direct orders from a king, or a pharaoh, in this case, and defying them because you fear the true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is the story of Shiphrah and Puah, midwives who were told to kill any Hebrew babies that were born. 

Exodus 1:15-21 tells this incredible story of bravery and obedience that is so often overlooked. 

Galatians 6:9 states

“Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.”

As believers, we will find ourselves in predicaments that test whether our loyalty is to the flesh or the spirit. We live in a fallen world, and when we look at the current state of it, faithfully standing on God’s word seems taboo and can result in ostracism. 

But how do we as believers respond when we find ourselves in spaces that go against God’s word? What do we say and do when we are told to kill innocent lives and risk our lives just like Shiphrah and Puah?

Many of us tend to follow our flesh either due to fear of the outcome or due to the pleasure it brings. But what about the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom? How many of us would genuinely put our reverence for God above the scrutiny of a boss who asks us to launder money? Or a parent that blatantly spits on our faith?

We turn back to God’s word in Galatians, which emphasizes not growing tired of doing good and God's guarantee of a benefit if we do not give in to the fallen world. 

Shiphrah and Puah are a great example of this because they obeyed God, not in expectation of a reward. They did it because they feared God, and that is something we ought to carry every day as believers. 

Obedience to God means no compromise on morals and commands. It can sometimes mean putting our lives on the line just like Shiphrah and Puah did. They could have agreed with Pharaoh and listened to Him, and been rewarded by Him, but to them, obedience to the Most High was worth even their own lives. 

How many of us would be willing to risk jobs, relationships, and contracts due to obedience to God?

The priority of our faith should be obedience to God

In John 16:33, our incredible Savior tells us, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus Christ guarantees us peace in the face of trials, and it is beautiful to know that, no matter our circumstances, we can navigate them with a peace that surpasses all understanding. 

Yes, the disapproval from the world will be there. We will be shunned as believers and commanded to do wicked things, but we ought to stand in reverence of God, just like Shiphrah and Puah did. It is because of their bravery that many Israelite babies are saved, paving the way for Jesus’ lineage to continue. Through this, Jesus guarantees us peace to do what is right. 

It truly is a great testament to read and be assured that Jesus overcame the world, and that because His blood saves us, we are overcomers by inheritance. Although the world has fallen, we do not conform to its standard, but we look to God with action-based obedience. 

Also read: THE REVIVAL SERIES