Obey God or Man?

O.T. #121  "Obey God or Man?"
Sept. 4, 2013
Exodus 1-Part 3
And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses. Exodus 1:21

LET IT GLOW

The children of Israel were growing in numbers. the king of Egypt feared they would try to take over his kingdom. He was desperate. The king spoke to the Hebrew midwives, telling them to kill all male newborns. They chose to disobey the king by letting the baby boys live. they even lied to the king, saying the Hebrew women were fast at delivering before they got there.
The midwives were blessed for not killing the Hebrews' male babies born. (Hebrews were another name for the Israelites.)

God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. and because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own. NIV verses 20-21)

Infanticide, the killing of infants, is not a new practice. Shiphrah and Puah, probably Jewish ladies in charge of a host of other midwives, were commanded to kill all male babies of the Hebrews; but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. Males were a threat as possible warriors, but women would make acceptable slaves.  (Falwell)

What would we have done when faced with that choice? Are we trying to prevent abortions today?
I am glad that we have no such law in our country because I have 4 grandsons. Is America like the Pharaoh back then? Why are we killing babies? Is it because the mothers do not want to take responsibility for their actions nor be responsible for a child to raise? Each child is precious in God's sight. Why aren't they precious in people's sight?

LET IT GROW

Well, the king was still upset and fearful. He commanded his people to kill all male babies of the Hebrews (verse 22). God's providence prevented this from being universally carried out. He promised to bless them that blessed Israel and curse anyone who cursed Israel (Gen. 12:3).

The king's strategy was born of Satan, the murderer. This was but another attempt on Satan's part to destroy the Jews and keep the Messiah from being born.  (Wiersbe)

Do you recall another king who tried to slay the baby Jesus? It was King Herod. Were the women right in defying the orders of the king? Yes. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Who do we obey, God or man? Obeying God's instructions overrides man's laws when there is a conflict.

LET IT GO

Obey God.