”So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous.” Exodus 1:20
We see where the power and authority is in the story in Exodus 1. When confronted with a societal population control situation, where the policy strategy meant shorten the lives of children born, the godly midwives chose to honour God instead than the leadership of their day. They refused to kill the children on the basis of their race.
On Mother’s Day we can reflect on the pain and suffering they go through to bring life into the world, on their love and joy they give, in their service in contribution to bringing life in one way and another. Together the respect for life is seen in the endurance and sacrifice.
I also love that God values that too, in response there is a spiritual blessing. He was kind to them. Reading verse 20 and 21, He enabled them to have their own families too. Here we see God as the giver of family. When Jacob asked “am I God?” in Genesis 30:2 when prompted to make Rachel fruitful was a man exhausted trying. When we recognise God’s hand in the gift of loving fruitful mutual-respecting family we give thanks more, because on the shoulders of these seeds rest the joy and discipline of the earth. Despite the rage against godly seed may what is good triumph and may all who contribute to its survival be blessed. God loves all children and mothers who love and nurture them.
God bless.
Evangelist Israel Okunwaye
