In the opening chapter of the second book of the Bible, the book of Exodus, we have a record of the actions of two women who changed the course of human history, by defying their King’s orders.

“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do.” (Exodus 1:17)

The result of the midwives’ resistance and refusal to obey the King’s edict, was that one of the baby boys who was spared was named “Moses” and went on to become a prophet of God and the leader of the Hebrews, delivering them from their bondage and slavery, and the one who met with God on Mt. Sinai where the Ten Commandments and related laws were given for a new society.

Two African women, Shiphrah and Puah, feared God more than they feared their king.

And the course of human history was forever changed.

To resist tyranny and go against the crowd is not easy. But for the one who fears God more than man, that’s what we are called to do, even if it means giving up everything here on earth that we cherish and value, including our own family members who may choose to go their own way in a different direction.

Take special note of these word spoken by Jesus:

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.

I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39)