Friday: Further Thought – Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses
Daily Lesson for Friday 4th of July 2025
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “Moses,” Pages 241–251, in Patriarchs and Prophets, which will give you significant insights into the studied portion of the biblical text for this week.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
The biblical text states that “the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive” (Exodus 1:17, NKJV). Ellen G. White aptly comments on the faithfulness of the midwives and the Messianic hope: “Orders were issued to the women whose employment gave them opportunity for executing the command, to destroy the Hebrew male children at their birth. Satan was the mover in this matter. He knew that a deliverer was to be raised up among the Israelites; and by leading the king to destroy their children he hoped to defeat the divine purpose. But the women feared God, and dared not execute the cruel mandate. The Lord approved their course, and prospered them.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 242.
The good news in all this is that, despite Satan’s plans, God overruled, and He used faithful people to thwart the enemy. We do live in the territory of our enemy, whom Jesus called “the prince” or “ruler of this world” (Ephesians 2:2, NKJV; John 14:30). Satan usurped this position from Adam, but Jesus Christ defeated him in His life and through His death on the cross (Matthew 4:1-11, John 19:30, Hebrews 2:14). Although Satan is still alive and active, as revealed in his attempt to kill those children, his own execution is certain (John 12:31; John 16:11; Revelation 20:9-10,14). The good news is that life’s difficulties can be overcome by God’s grace (Philippians 4:13). That grace is our only hope.
Discussion Questions
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In every phase of life, we find ourselves in deep need of God’s intervention for provision, healing, guidance, relationships, or even comfort during overwhelming times. Yet, one of the hardest questions we face is why God doesn’t always intervene when we are suffering. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Even in suffering, He is working for our good.
The truth is, God’s help is not always about instant rescue missions; sometimes it’s about deeper transformation that comes from different challenges. As much as deliverance from God may be working through the pain to refine our character, strengthen our faith, or draw us closer to Him in ways comfort never could. Suffering is not a sign of His absence but often the very place where His presence becomes most real. Life without His help would indeed be miserable—but His help doesn’t always look like avoidance of pain. Sometimes, it looks like grace to endure, wisdom to navigate, or peace that surpasses understanding. We must learn to understand His timing; we can trust that His silence, even when we need him to speak, His purposes, though often hidden, are always redemptive.