Jochebed and Miriam

Two more brave women, largely unsung, figure into the story of Moses.  Jochebed and Miriam were Moses's mother and sister.  Since the Hebrew midwives wouldn't kill the boy babies when they were born, Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew women to throw their newborn sons into the Nile River.  Jochebed didn't throw her son into the river.  Rather she wove a small boat for him and placed him in the river where she knew he would be found by someone from Pharaoh's household.  Then she posted her daughter Miriam as a watchwoman to see what would become of him.
  When Pharaoh's daughter found him and wanted to keep the baby as his own, Miriam bravely stepped up and suggested that a Hebrew woman nurse him.  So Jochebed got to keep him for a few more years (Exodus 1:22-2:10).
  Jochebed, had to give up her son twice.  First, when she put him in the river. Second, when she sent him to live with Pharaoh's daughter.  She desired life for her son enough to go through all that so that he could live.  Shiphrah and Puah had to stand up to Pharaoh and disobey his orders. Miriam, just a slave girl, had to speak to the princess of the land and make a suggestion.  It took the courage of these four women to bring to life a man who would change the world.  Without their tenacity, Moses's mission would not have come to fruition.


  For Reflection:  What sacrifices or decisions have I made that I didn't understand at the time, but later realized they made a big difference in my life?  When have I had to be courageous?


  Let us pray.  Lord, I struggle to be courageous like Shiphrah and Puah, Jochebed and Miriam.  I don't know that I could defy someone as powerful as Pharaoh if an unlawful order is made.  Would I be as resourceful as Jochebed?  As brave as Miriam?  I don't know.
  Many Christians around the world today are under persecution as powerful as that of Pharaoh, Lord.  Help me to stand with them in prayer at least.

(Note:  Many Christians will be standing in prayer for persecuted Christians in various nations on August 1.  Won't you join us in prayer?)

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