June 28, 2020
Exodus 1 & 2
Our lesson today was about Moses, child of an Israelite woman living in Egypt during the reign of a Pharaoh who feared that the Hebrews were growing in numbers and in strength.
Moses mother knew that her son would be drowned by the Egyptian army if they found him. With the help of two midwives and her daughter, Miriam, she was able to hide Moses for three months.
Using reeds and tar, mother and sister prepared a basket that they floated down the Nile, only to be discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter.
The story tells us that Moses was nursed by his mother and returned to the palace when he was older. The name he was given was “Moses,” which means “drawn out,” because he was taken from the water.
Although raised with the Egyptians, Moses was called to lead his people out slavery. We know many stories about Moses, but we learn very little about the courageous women in his life.
The midwives, Siphrah and Puah, acted in ways that saved many lives. Stories they told Pharaoh about the birth of Hebrew baby boys went undetected as lies. Their courage helped Moses mother spare her son.
Jochebed, Moses mother, entrusted him to God’s care by placing him in the Nile. She loved him with all of her heart, and believed that he would be safe, allowing him to be raised in a place that persecuted her own people.
Miriam, Moses older sister, wisely followed the basket down the river and when discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, offered that he be nursed by a woman that she knew. Miriam was allowed to return Moses to his mother until he was old enough to live in the palace. With the help of Miriam, Moses later led his people from slavery in Egypt.
Pharaoh’s daughter, grew to love him as her own child, although she knew that he belonged to a Hebrew woman. Her compassion and love gave him strength and courage to begin his journey as a chosen leader by God.
When we tell the story of Moses, we do not hear much about the women in his life. There is little written about their lives and yet, they were responsible for carrying out God’s plan for Moses. Without their actions, Moses would not have lived to lead his people from Egypt.
They were not considered to be a threat to Pharaoh in his effort to kill the Hebrew baby boys because they were women.
As Pastor Sarah reminded us, “God works in unexpected places through unexpected people.”
Jesus’ ministered to unexpected people, including the poor, and oppressed. His resurrection was not expected.
The women in Moses life knew that God was guiding their actions to save Moses.
Let us remember the story of the unexpected places and people in the story of Moses and allow God to be our guide.
Peace be with you.