Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SUNDAY, August 21
Exodus 1:8—2:10. But the midwives feared God; they did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but they let the boys live.
A new Pharaoh feared the rising power of the Israelites in Egypt and had ordered the midwives to kill the Israelite baby boys at birth. The courageous midwives refused to do this and lied to Pharaoh when he asked why the boys were not being killed: “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
The story comes alive in just a few verses. The midwives are not anonymous figures. They are named and invested with personality: Shiprah (“beautiful”) and Puah (“girl”). Pharaoh’s command of death is contrasted to the life brought into being and saved by the midwives. Pharaoh’s ignorance is contrasted with the midwives’ wisdom. His supreme rank and blustering power are contrasted with their lowliness and genuine authority.
Let us remember and honor all peacemakers—all who take on the powers of oppression and destruction and expose their absurd pretenses, those who respond with creativity, wisdom and courage. May their example encourage us today.
PRAY for the Diocese of Ruwenzori (Uganda)
Ps 124 and Exodus 1:8—2:10—OR—Ps 138 and Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
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