Grow Guide | June 23, 2024
The Good Book
Reading: Exodus 1:15-22
Connecting Question
Who do you call on when you need to talk?
What’s been an act of support you are grateful for today?
Prayer for Illumination
Let your Spirit, our Advocate, guide us still— preserving us from judgment, protecting us from sin, and leading us into righteousness, so that we may testify to the good news: fullness of life and joy for all; through Jesus Christ our Savior and in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Context
The Good Book: Meeting Our Ancestors in Faith, One Story at a Time
The Bible can be a barrier for a lot of people of faith. It’s large, intimidating, and can be confusing! Many people are wary of reading these texts, carry bruises from their upbringing, or simply do not have enough information for the stories to make any sense. This summer, we invite you to spend time reclaiming the “good” in The Good Book - learning and relearning how ancient stories relate to our stories here and now. We are so glad you are here!
From Pastor Richard Nysse at EntertheBible.org:
The book of Exodus can be read as testimony. Exodus narrates the movement from servitude in Egypt to serving Yahweh, the Lord. The preface to the Ten Commandments sets the core message: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (20:2). From this core, Israel forges practices of social justice and liturgical commemoration. The book also attests to Israel’s persistent and increasing rebellion against serving Yahweh. The foundational narratives of Israel’s rebellion and obedience are bracketed by Yahweh’s persistent fidelity to the covenant with Israel. Readers are to understand these narratives as anchor points for shaping the covenantal story from generation to generation.
Look at the Book
Open to Exodus 1. How does the book start? Why? Who was Jacob (Google to find some help!)?
Exodus 1:8-9 sets the stage for the entire book. What is happening politically? Who was Joseph...why does it matter that he was forgotten? (Google to find some help!)
Exodus 1:10-14 is harsh. How does Pharaoh deal with the Israelites? What modern day example mirrors this? See also, human trafficking.
Slavery is a sin. Why does it seem to persist today?
The heroines enter the story in Exodus 1:15. Their title is Hebrew midwives. “Hebrew” was a term used by other powers to note “these people are different,” according to Rabbi Alter. Where have you heard “Hebrew” used before?
What is a midwife?
What are these Hebrew midwives' names? Why does it matter that their names made it into the Bible? What about that choice add import to who they are and what they did?
Some Christians believe all Christians are “midwives” of something related to the kingdom of God. What might that mean? What might God want to be born...beyond human babies?
In verse 16, what is the instruction from Pharaoh? Why would he command that? What story—involving Moses—does the Pharaoh make a similar command again—and it backfires?
Verse 17, what do the midwives do? Why?
Google and read Martin Luther’s explanation of the first commandment in the Small Catechism. How are we to relate to God?
How do the midwives explain to Pharaoh how the children are escaping?
By honoring God, how did God honor the midwives in verses 20-21?
What was the end result of the midwives' work?
What are you “waiting to be born” in your life and in our world?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Pray for peace in our world.
Send an encouraging note to someone who is on your mind and heart.
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.