«And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them» Exodus 1:21
When the midwives were interrogated because of their disobedience to Pharaoh, their explanation seemed logical and coherent, so it was not questioned at all. Since the Hebrew women had to carry out hard physical labor alongside the men, they had become so strong that even the birth process seemed less painful for them than the work they were forced to do. They became robust women in their enslavement, so they didn’t require as much attention from the midwives, or the midwives deliberately delayed arriving on time for the births. In any case, these women played an important role as defenders, risking their lives to protect the Israelites.
By lying to Pharaoh, these women used situational ethics to their advantage, which holds that any action is justified if the end result is noble. One might wonder if God blessed the midwives for lying. However, God did not reward the midwives’ lies but rather their faithfulness in saving the lives of the Hebrew babies. Usually, midwives were sterile women from the same family, so it is understandable that these women would absolutely refuse to take the life of those who embodied their own greatest desire.
The heroic actions of Shiphrah and Puah, although done in secret, didn’t go unnoticed by our compassionate God. Pleased by their obedience, He rewarded them by allowing them to have their very own children. Whatever we do will come back to us. So let us strive to do only what is good. We will receive a blessing in turn, not only for us, but also for our family. What is so admirable about these women is the fact that they did not risk their lives in hopes of getting a reward; they were simply willing to die rather than disobey God.
«No act of unselfish service, however small or simple, is ever lost. Through the merits of Christ’s imputed righteousness, the fragrance of such words and deeds is forever preserved.»—Sons and Daughters of God p. 270.
Renew your pact of kindness toward others today.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
