Day 2 from the Broad Street UMC/Statesville, NC Chapter-A-Day Bible reading is Exodus 1.
A pastor and friend of mine sends out the congregation of the church where he serves with a benediction each Sunday that includes the words “Take up your ministry with courage.” As I read today’s Bible chapter selection, I can’t help but think of these words. Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives, took up their tasks with courage.
It wasn’t easy for the task that these women were given to do became the PLAN B of the king of Egypt. Kill all Hebrew male babies. Unbeknownst to the king, Shiphrah and Puah chose not to become a part of the king’s PLAN B. They chose to stand in the ever-lasting Covenant between God and Abraham and in the Presence of God Almighty.
Shiphrah and Puah, and their courage to silently refuse to become active participants in this powerful king’s PLAN B, is a reminder to us all that we too can stand and act with courage in the midst of a Plan A, B, or C that is not of God. When standing in this world where an agenda becomes PLAN A, fear becomes PLAN B, or power becomes PLAN C, may we remember God’s promises and presence … may we too take up our ministry with courage.
It wasn’t easy for the task that these women were given to do became the PLAN B of the king of Egypt. Kill all Hebrew male babies. Unbeknownst to the king, Shiphrah and Puah chose not to become a part of the king’s PLAN B. They chose to stand in the ever-lasting Covenant between God and Abraham and in the Presence of God Almighty.
Shiphrah and Puah, and their courage to silently refuse to become active participants in this powerful king’s PLAN B, is a reminder to us all that we too can stand and act with courage in the midst of a Plan A, B, or C that is not of God. When standing in this world where an agenda becomes PLAN A, fear becomes PLAN B, or power becomes PLAN C, may we remember God’s promises and presence … may we too take up our ministry with courage.
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