3-28-21 Today in the Word

MIRIAM - PERSISTENT PROVIDENCE Our adoption story is full of moments where God coordinated the timing. The most obvious example is that our kids’ adoptions were finalized on the exact same day. One three-year journey through the Chicago foster system and one six-year process through the China Center of Adoption Affairs—both ended on March 26, 2012. God is involved in the details of our lives! In Exodus 2, we meet Miriam. Her parents were from the tribe of Levi, which provided spiritual leadership for God’s people. They lived in Egypt, under the oppressive hand of a Pharaoh who ordered every Hebrew baby boy thrown into the Nile. Miriam’s mother, Jochebed, had a “fine” (i.e., exceptional) baby boy. After three months of hiding the baby, she was forced to use drastic measures to keep him alive. She constructed a small boat (a “tebah,” the same Hebrew word used for Noah’s ark). Baby Moses was hidden in the “tebah” whenever danger was high. On this day, young Miriam was nearby when Pharaoh’s daughter came to bathe in the Nile and spotted the basket among the reeds. When her maidens retrieved it, the baby was crying. Perhaps his cries had attracted the princess’s attention—another point of providence. The princess’s heart softened, and Miriam jumped into action. Wise beyond her years, she asked: “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women?” (v. 7). The princess responded: “Go!” Jochebed must have felt shock, fear, relief, and joy when Miriam shared the news. Moses would be raised as a royal with an exceptional education while maintaining a connection to his biological family and heritage. Clearly, the hand of God was all over this plan. >> Reflect on the providence of God in your life. Where has He orchestrated the timing of things? Where has He given you courage and presence of mind? When has He worked out His plan in ways that were both joyous and painful? PRAY WITH US It is easy to praise you the moment we see our prayers answered, but we quickly forget the ways you have blessed us. Don’t let us forget the miracles you have worked in our lives, to the glory of your name!

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