SUBMITTED TO WHO? By Pastor Fernando

Scripture
15 Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: 16 “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too. 18 So the king of Egypt called for the midwives. “Why have you done this?” he demanded. “Why have you allowed the boys to live?” 19 “The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women,” the midwives replied. “They are more vigorous and have their babies so quickly that we cannot get there in time.” 20 So God was good to the midwives, and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. 22 Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Throw every newborn Hebrew boy into the Nile River. But you may let the girls live.”
Exodus 1:15-22

Observation
Two women, midwifes appointed to take care of the Hebrew deliveries, were wrapped in the dilemma of submission to authorities. Obviously, their loyalty belonged to the King of Egypt, and they were supposed to follow his orders. However, this time, the orders of Pharaoh were unreasonable and cruel. He ordered the women to become murders of the male babies among the Hebrews. He was afraid of how the Israelites were growing and instead of trusting them he wanted them discouraged and dead. He slave them and use them to build his own vision. His focus was in his kingdom, not in what God wanted to do with His people. Interesting to know what would happen if Pharaoh decided to release God's people into their vision to conquer the promised land. Egypt could have become the greatest ally of God's people. But instead of becoming the greatest dream releaser, Pharaoh became the greatest dream crusher.

At one point, the midwives were helpers in bringing forth life. But now, they had orders to end life. They were in the midst of a crucial crossroad. And they decided to stay on the side of life! So they undermined Pharaoh and continue delivering male babies. When confronted by Pharaoh, they even lied about the circumstances. The amazing thing here is that God’s Word says that The Lord blessed these women for their actions and for demonstrating that they feared God. They risked it all for what was right and were shrewd about the way to cover their actions.

Application
Both, the Old Testament and the New Testament support the principle of submission to authorities. The leaders that rule over our lives, believers or not, have been appointed by God. Many times people will disagree with their decisions. But in those times where their decisions and commands demand that the people of God compromise the clear principles of the word of God, the people of God can stand up and oppose unreasonable and cruel orders. This decision is easy! This is not license for rebellious activism, but permission to extend compassion when authorities above us neglect it. Now, circumstances where authorities are evil and demand our blind obedience and allegiance are not frequent. The more recurrent problem is when their vision and direction clashes with what God speaks to us. In circumstances like these, we need to ask, “Who am I submitted to?”

As a shepherd of God’s flock, I would for people to be submitted to me—that when I speak a command, people would follow without questioning. However, above all things, people need to be submitted to God and His Word. If I ask them to do something that is unbiblical, they shouldn’t submit to me! If I ask them to do something that opposes what God has revealed to them, they shouldn’t follow me. They should follow what the Holy Spirit speaks to them. Their loyalty is to God and His Word, not to me. In the same way, my loyalty is to God and His Word. The key is to follow the example of these two midwives, to fear God (not men) and to do what is right (not what is convenient) in all circumstances. In this way, we can trust that The Lord will bless us and lead us as we follow His will for our lives.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, please help me to stay loyal to you and to your Word all the days of my life. Let me seek your face about the direction you have for my life and for the people you have entrusted me to shepherd. Let me surrender my life and my dreams for the sake of seeing your will accomplished. Let me release with gladness those who have a different vision than mine. Also, show me when those above me are following a vision that is not for me. Give me the boldness to follow your instructions without breaking relationship. As I seek your face, reveal the specific steps I need to take to follow you will, not mine. I am submitted to you! Amen.