When Fear Dictates Our Choices: Lessons from Exodus for the Disciple

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever felt the pressure of the world—the pressure to conform, the fear of standing up for what is right, or the temptation to take matters into our own hands because we feel unsafe—this week’s reading from Exodus will resonate deeply with the heart of a disciple. It’s a powerful reminder that the greatest threats to our faith often come not from external armies, but from the subtle whispers of fear within our own hearts.

We’ve been walking through the narrative of the early Israelite experience, and it’s clear that the pattern of opposition is ancient. The Pharaoh in this account, facing a perceived threat, doesn't trust in divine protection or the covenant promises given to Abraham. Instead, he resorts to the most primal human response: fear, which leads to oppression. He tries to control the future by controlling the present, making life difficult for the people who are simply trying to thrive.

Think about that dynamic. When we feel threatened—whether it’s by cultural drift, by opposition in our local ward, or even by the sheer weight of expectation—it’s so easy to mimic Pharaoh's pattern. We might start making our own rules, building our own safety nets, or becoming cynical because trusting in the Lord feels too slow, too distant, or too risky. We try to secure our future through our own strength, our own plans, or our own alliances, rather than anchoring ourselves firmly in the Rock.

The Power of Disobedience and Discerning Choice

What struck me most in the transcript was the story of the Hebrew midwives, Shipra and Pua. They were placed in an impossible position. They could obey the King—the secular authority, the immediate power structure—and save their own skin, or they could obey a higher law, the law of God, and risk everything. They chose to honor God more than they feared Pharaoh. And what was their reward? They were praised and recorded forever in scripture!

This isn't just a historical anecdote; it’s a masterclass in discipleship. These women were given a choice between being a liar or a murderer. They were discerning enough to choose wisely. This echoes Christ's words to His disciples: *“I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves…”* It means that sometimes, the highest calling requires us to make a choice that is inconvenient, that is unpopular, and that requires us to trust in the Spirit when our instincts scream for self-preservation.

As we continue in our journey to become better internet missionaries and disciples anywhere, all the time, we must remember to ask ourselves: Where am I being asked to choose between what is easy and what is right? Where am I tempted to build my own little kingdom of safety rather than trusting in the covenant promises and the guidance of the Spirit?

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The 'Why' Question

If you are preparing for mission discussions, or even just engaging in deep scripture study with a friend, remember the lesson of the midwives. When someone raises a challenging question—a question that feels like it might compromise your testimony—don't panic. Instead of giving a rehearsed answer, pause and ask yourself: *“What is the core principle I am trying to defend here?”* Don't just defend the doctrine; defend the *principle* of faith, the *principle* of covenant keeping, or the *principle* of Christ’s Atonement. This shifts the focus from defending knowledge to testifying of power.

The journey to becoming a disciple who can navigate these waters is one of constant refinement. It requires us to be willing to be 'disobedient' to the world's expectations when God calls us to faithfulness. Let’s keep studying, keep praying, and keep leaning on the Spirit.

If this message encouraged you, I invite you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. Let’s discuss how the struggles of ancient Israel echo in our modern lives. For those who want to dive deeper into these themes of covenant and faithfulness, I highly recommend revisiting the writings of Avraham Gileadi; check out the latest available in LivingBook!