Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 An Innocent Lie? 

Exodus 1:15-21
v19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” 
 

When is it okay to tell a lie? When is it okay to stretch the truth just a little bit? I find that when needed, we can convince ourselves that any lie, had a purpose and was necessary in the given moment. We know that we should not lie – that lies are not rewarded. But what if a lie is absolutely necessary? What if it’s a matter of life and death?
 
The days of Joseph and his favor with Pharaoh were long gone, however his descendants, the descendants of Jacob and Isaac and Abraham continued to grow. While God’s promise to Abraham was being fulfilled, the new Pharaoh saw only a threat. He made various attempts at oppressing the Israelites in the hope of deterring them and discouraging them, and yet they continued to grow and thrive. Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to murder any male babies that were born to Hebrew women. This would prevent future warriors from being born and future fathers who could aide in producing more children.
 
In the Moody Bible Commentary, we are reminded that “When the laws of man are in conflict with the commandments and will go God, the faithful must obey God rather than men” as seen in Acts 5:29. Shiphrah and Puah, the two women overseeing the midwives, feared God. They trusted in God over the words of Pharaoh. They knew that what Pharaoh asked did not align with God’s Command – and so – they trusted in God and trusted that He, being a just God, would take care of the rest. They were willing to face the consequences for the sake of saving God’s children.
 
These women feared God and were willing to lie to a Pharaoh who would stop at nothing– even murdering newborn babies – to ensure that his power reigned supreme. If this Pharaoh took no issue in murdering innocent babies – his wrath probably made very little exceptions.
Do we have this kind of boldness in our own faith? Are we willing to do something that makes us vulnerable in order to stand by what is truly right? Do we trust in God’s justice? Shiphrah and Puah were two women who despite telling a lie to Pharaoh obeyed God – no question, no hesitation.

PRAYER 
Dear Lord, please help me to trust in You, in Your justice and Your promise of hope. Let me always do what is right, even when it is hard or scary, and trust that You will see me through every challenge. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When it comes to choosing between standing for God's kingdom and human evil, we must not hesitate to stand for God.

Mrs. Rena Titus, St. John’s MTC, New York
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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