But the midwives feared God and did not as the King of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. Exodus 1:17
Pharaoh was a cruel abortionist (all abortionists are cruel) and would have the midwives murder the male Israelite babies as soon as they were born. Just like today’s abortionists, he wanted to exterminate babies because they were inconvenient to him.
The Bible records the names of these two faithful midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who were willing to defy the command of the King because they feared God. It is true that we are to be subject to kings and to all that are in authority (1 Peter 2:13-15). But when the command of the king is to break one of God’s commandments, these good women set for us the good example, that we should obey God rather than men. We need to be careful, though, that the things we oppose are actually things that the Word of God also opposes. Some during the current pandemic insist it is wrong of the authorities to force us to wear face masks. Now, nobody despises face masks more than me, but wearing them is mandated by those who are in authority to whom the Scriptures say we are to be in subjection. Besides, I know of no law of God that wearing a face mask violates.
It was dangerous to defy the king, these Egyptian midwives well knew. But they did what they knew was right, and God blessed them for it. It can be dangerous, or at the very least, inconvenient, to defy the authorities today if their rules or laws command us to go against the Word of God. But remember Shiphrah and Puah; God not only preserved them, he also blessed them. If we will honour God, God will honour us. God does not always promise that our blessing for obeying Him will appear right away. But He does promise that we will not be the loser if we place Him and His Word above all else.
Honour God today, at all costs. Costs will be reimbursed! -Jim MacIntosh