Learn from the Past to Combat the Present

Scripture: “But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them; they let the boys live.” – Exodus 1:17

Devotional:
The story of the Hebrew midwives serves as a powerful example of courageous obedience to God, even when pressured by society to act otherwise. This verse reminds us that when our culture promotes values counter to God’s principles, we are called to honor Him by choosing life, just as the midwives did. In situations of fear or pressure, God calls us to courage and conviction.

The Bible tells us of times when rulers sought power by destroying the lives of innocents. Pharaoh, driven by fear, ordered the death of Hebrew children to maintain control over Israel (Exodus 1:15-22). Centuries later, King Herod ordered the massacre of male infants in Bethlehem, seeking to eliminate any threat to his throne (Matthew 2:16). Both events reveal a spirit that disregards life to satisfy selfish ambition.

The spirit of Molech thrives where there is fear—fear of loss, of change, of unknown futures. Today, the spirit still lingers, often manifesting as decisions that prioritize control over compassion. Yet, God calls us to stand in His truth, seeing life as sacred and trusting Him over fear or personal gain.

Application
Identify a situation in your life where fear has influenced your decisions. Take this to God in prayer, asking Him to replace your fear with trust and your self-centered tendencies with compassion.

Closing Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your plans, even when we don’t understand them. Teach us to value every life, as You do, and grant us the courage to stand against any form of oppression or injustice. Replace our fear with faith and our desire for control with a heart of service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions
 1. How does fear impact our decisions and potentially lead us to compromise God’s principles?
 2. How can we help others recognize the value of life in a world that sometimes devalues it?