Defying Authority – Jennifer Woodley
“When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt told them to do; they let the boys live.' Exodus 3:16-17 (NIV)
Pharaoh's instructions fell on deaf ears. The Hebrew midwives were committed to bringing life into the world, not taking it away. These women showed great courage by risking their lives to defy Pharaoh's command. They trusted themselves to God in order to do what was right and spare the male Hebrew babies.
We must not obey the voice of authority when it means going against God's will. We do not stand alone when we choose to obey God at the risk of defying authority. Scripture is full of examples of men and women who took a stand against authority by standing up for what God says is right. Like Esther and Mordecai, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and even Jesus himself, we must choose to obey God rather than men.
As followers of Christ, we ought to live at peace with everyone, but there will be times when this becomes impossible to do. Conflict will come, and in those times, we cannot obey both God and men. Our call is to stand up for God and His word first, no matter how hard that may be or what persecution will follow.
'Father, help me to stand strong when I encounter persecution from friends, family or authorities. Help me to not waiver in my faith but to trust that you will be my fortress as I choose to obey you.'
Jennifer lives in Australia and enjoys encouraging others on their journey with Christ. Contact