Its Time (Shiphrah and Puah) The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live (Exodus 1:17). Come Quickly! Its almost time. Gathering the folds of her long robe in her well-worn hands, Shiphrah hurried through the door. Her eyes narrowed and adjusted to the relative darkness inside the home. Light from a small oil lantern cast the shadow of two women on the wall. One squated in a corner, knees bent, as another woman hunched beside her. A fresh cloth, Shiphrah! One of the shadows barked. I can see the head. Puah always was the bossier of the two women. They were midwives by training and friends by choice. Shiphrah obediently brought the strips of cloth to Puah. It was an ordinary day. Woman birthed babies into the world all the time. But today was different. This baby was diffferent; it was a boy. The king of Egypt made his order clear: If it is girl, let her live. If it is a boy, kill him. The strength of the Hebrews threatened Pharaoh and intimidated him. He would quell their numbers with his murderous plot and keep their supposed rebellion at bay. But if the women obey him, what would that make them? Murderers? Shiphrah and Puah did not discuss Pharaohs orders openly. Silently they worked alongside each other, except for the routine bedside manner required at each birth. However, every time, when it became clear they would have to make a decision, their minds raced through their options. To disobey the highest authority meant certain death. Pharaoh was willing to slaughter innocent children; two midwives were nothing to him. If they did their job, someone would die, but they would live another day. The dilemma tugged at their hearts each time they pondered their duties. The God of the Hebrews had made himself real to them in ways they could not explain. They feared Pharaoh, but they revered God. Just then, an agonized scream, followed by a loud sigh, snapped both women to attention. It was time. Push! Push! they responded in unison. -Prayer- My awesome God, I serve you alone, not in the world. Help me to be strong against outside influences and keep me focused on your commands. In Jesus name, Amen. (Assigned Reading Exodus 1:15-21). God bless you.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 02:20:42 +0000
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