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Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
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Behind the Scenes Blessing
"The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives—the first, whose name was Shiphrah, and the second, whose name was Puah— "When you help the Hebrew women give birth, observe them as they deliver. If the child is a son, kill him, but if it's a daughter, she may live." The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live.... So, God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied and became very numerous."1 Some people enjoy being in the spotlight, while others are content being out of sight and behind the scenes. Whether we're talking about Broadway productions or church ministry, both roles are necessary, and both are equally important. God can use a person that is following just as much as a person that is leading, so long as that person has a servant's heart — in today's Scripture passage that was quite literal. The Hebrews had been slaves in Egypt for quite some time and the slave population was growing stronger by the day, making the Pharaoh's brow crease with worry, for he feared an uprising beyond his control. In order to reduce this ever-growing population, Pharaoh ordered the midwives to ensure that all new baby boys did not survive. The midwives were women who were often overlooked, as their duties required them to remain by the bedsides of laboring women, both Egyptian and Hebrew alike. You can imagine the surprise Shiphrah and Puah felt upon being summoned by the Pharaoh to oversee this task. Unbeknownst to Pharaoh, however, was that these women feared God above human law and by no means were they going to allow one single hair on the heads of these infants to be harmed! They used their hidden position to save these innocent children, knowing that they would be held responsible before God for His was the higher authority. These women served God when no one was watching and a whole nation was blessed because of their selfless actions. They knew they were risking their own lives by defying Pharaoh, but God blessed them for their faithfulness and multiplied the Hebrew people and they grew in a mighty way. Their example is a reminder to us today that God will bless our obedience to Him. There may be times when no one will know of our contribution to the Kingdom of God and that's OK, because He knows. Take joy in whatever your role is today and keep a servant's heart in all that is entrusted to you! Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes I want people to notice what I do, but that is not what catches your eye. You notice the unseen actions done with a servant's heart for your glory. Help me be content with whatever task you place before me and let others be blessed because it glorifies you. In Jesus' name, Amen. 1. Exodus 1:15-17, 20 (CSB). Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B. |
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