10.31

Moses' Parents Acting Courageously, by Faith "By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden
three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not
afraid of the king's command. (Hebrews 11:23)"

Our present study reveals another strategic illustration of the extensive consequences of
walking by faith. Fear is one of the major threats to living as God intends. Faith in God
brings the courage that is needed to overcome fear. Moses' parents are outstanding
examples of acting courageously, by faith.

Moses' parents ("Amram Jochebed"—Exodus 6:20) faced a dreadful dilemma. Jochebed had just
given birth to Moses. Pharoah, who was fearful of the rapidly growing slave population,
had previously ordered the death of all male Jewish newborns. "The king of Egypt spoke to
the Hebrew midwives and he said, 'When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew
women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it
is a daughter, then she shall live'" (Exodus 1:15-16). However, the midwives had faith in
the Lord and spared the male babies at birth. "The midwives feared God, and did not do as
the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive" (Exodus 1:17).

Moses' parents had a similar, courageous faith in God. "By faith Moses, when he was born,
was hidden three months by his parents and they were not afraid of the king's command."
Nevertheless, their baby was still in danger, since Pharoah had also commanded all the
Egyptians to destroy any male babies that they might discover. "Pharaoh commanded all his
people, saying, 'Every son who is born you shall cast into the river'" (Exodus 1:22). When
they could no longer hide Moses, Jochebed put him in a simple ark in a place where he
might be rescued. "When she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for
him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by
the river's bank" (Exodus 2:3). God honored the faith of these courageous parents,
allowing the Pharoah's daughter to discover Moses' floating basket and to respond with
mercy. "And when she had opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she
had compassion on him" (Exodus 2:6).

Moses' parents courageously risked their lives in order to do that which would be pleasing
to God. Their action was based upon their faith in God. Whenever necessary, we too can act
courageously, if we rely upon our great God. "In God I have put my trust; I will not be
afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11).

"Dear faithful Lord, when I am intimidated by the threats or pronouncements of others,
please remind me of Your faithfulness to the parents of Moses, that I too might have
courage to do that which would please You, through Christ, my Lord, Amen."