Weekly readings: Exodus 1:1-6:1; Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23; Acts 7:17-35; 1 Corinthians 14:18-25

Through these six chapters of Exodus we trace the astonishing journey of Moses from Hebrew baby in the bulrushes, discovered by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as her own son, to exile in a foreign land, to anointed leader sent by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery.

Behind the Story

It is easy to read these chapters in view of the next phase of the story: God's miraculous interventions and Israel's grand release from captivity. There is nothing wrong with this perspective, but with it, it is easy to miss the substance of what came before this divine rescue plan – the horrific reality of years of grinding abuse and oppression for God's people. Shifting focus to this for a moment, and re-reading the narrative, it becomes apparent that the slavery which defined both nations during this era was both preceded and pervaded by a spirit of fear.

What led the Egyptians to enslave the Hebrews in the first place? Fear – fear that they would grow too numerous and too strong and eventually rebel against them (Ex 1:8-12). What kept the Israelites in bondage for so many years? Fear of their dreadful masters. What led to Moses running away to Midian? Fear for his own life, after he had murdered an Egyptian (Ex 2:14). What led him to argue against God so many times before eventually accepting the call to go back? Fear - of the reception he would get, or perhaps of his own inadequacies.

Another Kind of Fear

But there is also another kind of fear demonstrated in this passage by two rather obscure, unlikely characters. Shiphrah and Puah were midwives instructed by Pharaoh to kill all the newborn Hebrew sons. But fearing God more than they feared the king, they refused to be the tools of infanticide – and God richly blessed them both for their faithfulness (Ex 1:15-21).

In Shiphrah and Puah we glimpse what God intended fear to be: an attitude of deep reverence and humble submission that leads us to honour and obey his ways above all others, no matter what the cost. We also see this fear at the site of the burning bush, where Moses hides his face in awe of God's presence.

From Fear to Freedom

God designed fear to be a good thing, which – just as the natural fear we all experience warns us of imminent threat – warns and protects us from spiritual danger. But as with every other Godly emotion and attitude, the fallenness of this world and the designs of satan have together twisted and perverted fear into a whole host of new, grotesque forms, which are daily used to steal, kill and destroy human life. And from fear precipitates control – attempts to bind, oppress and enslave, just as the Egyptians did.

For every Christian, of course, a blessing of being saved is liberation from all these kinds of fear through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been given both the tools and the calling to recognise and deal with all forms of unGodly fear – and to be ministers of a new and better kind, which was intended from the beginning. It is this better kind of fear that leads to life (Pro 22:4), wisdom (Pro 9:10), peace (Ps 112:8), intimacy with God (Ps 25:14) power, love and sound mind (2 Tim 1:7).

It is one of the many paradoxes of our faith that those who fear God rightly will have complete security and no fear at all (Ps 112:7-8). As this new year begins, let us each not shrink back and accept the kinds of fear common to the world, but instead take hold of that which is offered to us in Christ Jesus – the perfect love which casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:18).

Author: Frances Rabbitts

Explanatory Note: the Torah Reading Schedule

For many hundreds of years it has been the custom in Jewish homes and synagogues to study the Scriptures in portions week by week, so that the entire Torah is studied over a year (with additional readings for the Feasts). This coming year, we have chosen to follow this pattern in our 'Thoughts for the Week', building briefly on the weekly Scripture portions, seeking to inspire and encourage.

We invite readers to study the entire portions of Scripture for themselves, and give full permission for our studies to be used in prayer groups and prophetic hubs.

You can find all the back issues of this series by following this link.