According to Pharaoh’s instructions, the Hebrew midwife was to observe closely as the baby appeared. She was right away to discover the sex of the kid as it came forth from the womb and to snuff out its life if she noticed it definitely was a male—possibly suffocating the tiny boy before he ever let out his first cry. These women feared God more than they feared the laws of the king. The word “vigorous” means “lively.” They told a scowling, sad Pharaoh, “My, oh my, King, these girls are fast. When we hear they are about to give birth, we speed over to the house and zip, pop, it’s over.

The baby’s already there, and then what can we do?”. Pharaoh, who may not have appreciated the graphic details of birth any more than I do, acquired the entire thing. Who was he to debate with these strong-hearted midwives? Fortunately, these 2 bold girls, as Scripture would later say of Moses’ own fogeys, “were not terrified of the king’s edict” ( Hebrews 11:23 ). Praise God for such bold folk of religion.

To this day, from Africa to China to the Middle East, that very same bravery shines out like a beacon. All around the planet as you read these words, God’s folk are being hounded and persecuted for their loyalty to Jesus Christ. And they’re standing fast in the face of edicts from kings, presidents, generals, and party commissars. They’re announcing, “No, we can’t do the things you are asking us to do. We refuse to reject our Lord.” And they’re paying the final cost.