Babysitting Boldness

Exodus 2:5-8a

What does it mean to be bold? Dictionary.com defines it as "not hesitating for fearful in the face of actual or possible danger". A common synonym for boldness is courageous. I've taught my children that courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of action in the midst of fear. It is ok to be afraid. Courage is when you do not allow your fears to dissuade you from action. In our text today, Miriam is faced with a situation that absolutely required her to be courageous. While Miriam is on her babysitting assignment, a princess of Egypt comes to bathe in the river. At this point, Miriam could have left. Knowing that the lives of Hebrew babies were not very valuable to the royal family of Egypt, she might have fled in fear. But she didn't. Remember, Miriam is likely a young girl, no more than 12 years old. This young girl, despite the oppressive culture stays and watches over her baby brother, even after he is discovered by the princess of Egypt. Then something unexpected happens. One would think that if the Pharaoh, god-king of all Egypt declared that all male Hebrew babies were to be killed, his own princess would follow suit and kill the baby then and there. But that is not what happens. Miriam is witness to this and immediately approaches the princess. Some have suggested that the plan for Moses to be discovered by the princess was originally devised by Miriam's mother, Jochebed. The text does not make clear if that is the case. But, either way, Miriam still required courage in the moment. Even if her mother had planned this for her to do, Jochebed was not there at this moment and young little Miriam had to dig deep and find the courage to approach the princess by herself. In this moment of babysitting boldness, Miriam steps into the pages of history and becomes a part of the deliverance of not only her baby brother Moses, but also the nation as a whole. I think it is amazing the simple act of a child can reverberate through the pages of Scripture so profoundly. What do you think could happen if we supported and encouraged our children today to be bold and courageous for the Lord? 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, than You for the amazing example of Miriam's boldness. Please help me to be half as bold as she was when speaking with my family, friends, neighbors, and community. Use me as a part of your plan of salvation Lord, I am ready. Amen. 

Reflection: 
When has the Lord given you an opportunity to be courageous in your faith? 

How will you prepare for the next one?