The Thread: Part IIPrøve

The Fear of God

Centuries after Jacob and Joseph, a new Pharaoh did not see the Israelites as a blessing. The Israelites had been fruitful and multiplied (obeying God's direct command in the garden of Eden!). Fearing a threat to his power, Pharaoh enslaved Israel and ordered midwives to kill all baby boys to diminish their influence.

Some commentators believe Shiphrah and Puah are called "Hebrew midwives" because they were Egyptians assigned to the Hebrew people, not because they were Hebrews (because Hebrews would be unlikely to kill their own). If so, the midwives were impacted by the Hebrews' faith as God's people; however, regardless of Shiphrah and Puah's nationality, Pharaoh's fear of the people was overshadowed by the midwives who feared God above Pharaoh.

To fear God is to hate evil—and to live in awe of God's greatness, know that he sees our actions and thoughts, and desire his pleasure more than the approval of any human. God blessed Shiphrah and Puah with households and families because they feared him. The Bible includes many promises for those who fear God—who hate what he hates and love who he loves. When you fear God, he can trust you with revelation, deep relationship, and special responsibilities. He will lead you into prosperity.

Questions: Is there anyone you fear to the point that you lost sight of the value God places on them? Cut them off in some way? Withheld your love? Is there an area of your life where fear of people has caused you to do something you know God disapproves of?

Prayer: Fear is a strong motivator. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you may be acting out of fear instead of confidence in God's love for you and compassion for others. Ask him to give you eyes to see others as he does, stand up for what is right, and walk worthy of Christ.