The Only Thing We Have to Fear

Exodus 1:1-22

The contrast between the two definitions of Fear in this passage strikes me tonight. Pharaoh fears ( is "afraid of his perception of") the Israelites who have grown quickly in numbers in the lush and fertile Nile Delta. His reaction is to systematically oppress them. The midwives fear ( as in "reverential awe") God and are rewarded.

How often do we see the Pharaoh's reaction played out? South Africa's apartheid state, the loud reaction to an Islamic cultural center, gay-bashing, the list is long and ugly and gets lots of airplay. I know that my first instinct to being afraid is frequently to strike out at someone or something.

But, being still and listening to what God is saying is what brings us rewards. In this story we are shown that to go about our business honestly and reverently brings rewards while trying to control situations to what we think is our perceived advantage puts us into a downward spiral. Pharaoh has to continually ratchet up the oppression as his fear increases.