When Evil Rulers Target the Innocent
In a world where the family is under constant attack and the sanctity of life is threatened, the biblical account of Moses' birth offers a timeless lesson in courage, faith, and divine protection.
Imagine living in ancient Egypt where the king has just issued a horrifying decree: all Hebrew baby boys must be thrown into the Nile River to drown. This was not just a suggestion—it was the law of the land, with severe consequences for those who disobeyed.
Yet in this darkest hour, extraordinary courage emerged from ordinary people—particularly from women who feared God more than they feared the consequences of defying an evil ruler.
The Power of God-Fearing Women
The story begins in Exodus 1, where Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives to kill all newborn Hebrew males. But these women—Shiphrah and Puah—made a critical decision: "The midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive" (Exodus 1:17).
These midwives took a brave stand for life because their reverence for God overshadowed their fear of Pharaoh. As Proverbs 14:26 reminds us, "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence." Their courage demonstrates that fear of the Lord doesn't produce weakness—it produces strength and conviction.
When Pharaoh discovered their defiance, he expanded his evil decree, commanding all Egyptians to throw Hebrew baby boys into the Nile River. This national infanticide policy seemed unstoppable.
A Mother's Faith Against Impossible Odds
Enter Jochebed, Moses' mother. Though facing an impossible situation, she refused to surrender her son to Pharaoh's murderous decree. After hiding him for three months, she created a small ark of bulrushes, waterproofed it with pitch, and placed her baby inside—setting it among the reeds at the river's edge.
This wasn't a reckless abandonment but an act of tremendous faith. Hebrews 11:23 tells us, "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents... and they were not afraid of the king's commandment."
Jochebed's faith-filled action led to a remarkable turn of events. Pharaoh's own daughter discovered the child, was moved with compassion, and decided to adopt him as her own son. Even more miraculous, she hired Jochebed to nurse and care for Moses during his formative years!
What appeared to be a death sentence became the very means of the child's salvation and preparation for his future role as Israel's deliverer.
Lessons for Today's Families
What can we learn from this powerful biblical account?
Fear God above all else. Like the midwives and Jochebed, we must prioritize reverence for God above fear of earthly consequences or cultural pressures.
Take a stand for life. In a culture that increasingly devalues human life, God calls us to protect the innocent and vulnerable.
Trust God's sovereign hand. Even in impossible situations, God is working behind the scenes. Jochebed couldn't have imagined that placing her son in that small ark would lead to his adoption by Pharaoh's daughter, with herself as his nursemaid!
Make the most of your limited influence. Jochebed didn't get to raise Moses into adulthood, but she made the most of the time she had, teaching him about his heritage and faith in God. Years later, Moses chose to identify with God's people rather than enjoy "the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25).
Remember that trials often precede blessings. Moses' condemnation to death was followed by his deliverance. Jochebed had to trust God's hand was on her son, even when placing him in danger.
You're Not Alone in Life's Challenges
None of us face exactly what Jochebed faced, but many parents today feel caught between competing influences over their children—whether through shared custody arrangements, public schooling challenges, or cultural pressures that oppose biblical values.
Like Jochebed, we must use whatever influence we have to instill God's truth in the next generation, trusting that God's hand remains on their lives even when they're beyond our direct care.
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