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The Unsung Heroines: How Women Saved Moses and Changed History

6/29/2025

Have you ever noticed how often we celebrate Moses as the hero of Exodus, while overlooking the remarkable women who repeatedly saved his life? Without their courage, cleverness, and determination, Moses would never have had the chance to say "yes" to God's invitation to liberate the Israelites. Their stories reveal a profound truth about faith: we were created to be together, to support one another, and to stand against oppression.
Created for Community, Not Solo ActsLast week, exploring Adam and Eve's story, I was reminded that "it is not good that the man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). This reveals an essential truth about how God made us: we were created to be together. Human life was never meant to be a solo act. Despite our culture's myth that elevates individual self-sufficiency, we know better: we are made for each other.
As Paul writes in Galatians 6:2, we are called to "bear one another's burdens, and in so doing fulfill the law of Christ." This communal reality is powerfully demonstrated in the women who ensured Moses' survival.
The First Act of Civil DisobedienceThe story begins with Shiprah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives who provide the first Biblical example of non-violent protest. They defied Pharaoh's explicit command to murder Hebrew baby boys, choosing "not to obey in advance" and instead organizing the Hebrew midwives to subvert Pharaoh's murderous edict. Their civil disobedience created the possibility for Moses to be born at all.
A Mother's Desperate CourageThanks to these midwives, a young boy named Moses was born to Jochebed. As Wilda Gafney notes, "Jochebed became an agent of resistance [for] the very decision to give birth was an act of defiance." When she could no longer hide her son, she crafted a papyrus basket and set him afloat on the Nile. But she didn't leave her son's life entirely to chance – she worked with Moses' older sister, Miriam, to keep watch over him.
Divine Irony at the River's EdgeIn a delightfully ironic turn, Pharaoh's own daughter discovers the basket! Instead of reporting the Hebrew child, "she took pity on him" (Exodus 2:6). Miriam seizes the opportunity, suggesting Jochebed as a nurse for the baby. So during Moses' early years, not only has Pharaoh's murderous plan been thwarted, but he is now paying a Hebrew woman to care for her own Hebrew son! This is subversive humor at its best—portraying an authoritarian ruler as hilariously inept.
Zipporah: The Woman Who Saved Moses from GodAfter Moses fled Egypt and settled in Midian, he married Zipporah, who would later save his life in one of the most bizarre divine encounters in the Old Testament. As Moses journeyed back to Egypt with his family, "the Lord met him and tried to kill him" (Exodus 4:24).
Zipporah's intuition kicked in, and she suspected God's anger was because their son wasn't circumcised. She grabbed a flint knife, performed the circumcision, and touched the foreskin to Moses' "feet" (a Hebrew euphemism often referring to genitalia). As Lynn Japinga says, "Zipporah was a gutsy woman with nerves of steel who could perform emergency surgery on her son without losing her lunch...Zipporah served as a mediator between God and Moses just as Moses would serve as a mediator between God and the Israelites."
Living Their Legacy TodayThese women's stories of perseverance and bravery provide a blueprint for how to live in these challenging times. Their individual contributions remind us that small acts of courage truly make a difference:
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

You may one day, like Shiprah and Puah, have to choose between following unjust orders or standing for what's right.
You may, like Pharaoh's daughter, have an opportunity to use your privilege to protect someone vulnerable.
You may, like Jochebed and Miriam, need to be creative and resourceful to give someone a fighting chance in a hostile environment.
And you may, like Zipporah, be called to be a mediator for someone who needs an advocate in a difficult situation.

After all these women's brave actions—their defiance, ingenuity, and assertiveness—Moses did make it to Pharaoh's court. But may we never forget the women who got him there. And may we never forget those who have brought us to where we are today. When the time comes, may we practice their bravery, courage, and tenacity in our own lives.

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Beyond the Blame Game: Rediscovering Eden's True Message

6/23/2025

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Have you ever been so certain about something you've known your whole life, only to discover it was never true? Like how we collectively remember Darth Vader saying, "Luke, I am your father," when he actually said, "No, I am your father." This phenomenon, known as the Mandela Effect, doesn't just apply to pop culture—it profoundly affects how we understand some of our most sacred texts, particularly the story of the Garden of Eden.

The Misconceptions We've Inherited

When it comes to Genesis 2 and 3, "we often project our own 'baggage' onto the text, either knowingly or unknowingly." Let's examine some of these misconceptions:

First, nowhere in the text does it specify that the fruit was an apple. It simply refers to it as "a fruit." Yet in our collective imagination, Eve always holds that shiny red apple.
Second, the serpent is never identified as "Satan" or evil in the text. It merely calls the serpent "crafty," which isn't necessarily a negative term. "In fact, in the ancient world, serpents and snakes were often regarded as symbols of wisdom, intelligence, and healing. There's a reason the symbol for Blue Cross Blue Shield (and other medical emblems) features a snake."
Third, "the word 'sin' actually does not appear anywhere in Genesis 2 or 3. Sin isn't mentioned until the following chapter when Cain kills Abel."
Perhaps most harmfully, Genesis 2 and 3 have been weaponized to suggest women are inferior to men. Some argue that because Eve was created second and called Adam's "helper," this designates women as subservient. However, "the Hebrew word for 'helper' used to describe Eve's relationship to Adam is only employed elsewhere in the Bible to refer to God's divine power and might" (Psalm 124:8).
Finally, many artistic depictions show "Eve and the serpent, but Adam is noticeably absent or conveniently stands far off in the distance." Yet Genesis 3:6 clearly states that Adam "was with her" during the encounter.

Eden: God's Vision of Mutual Relationship

If this text isn't about women's inferiority or original sin as commonly taught, what is it about? One of our Bible study participants offered this beautiful insight: "Eden was God's ideal so far as they understood it [when these texts were first imagined]."

Eden represents "a place where there was no shame, where there were no pointed fingers, where there were no accusations or blame games or fighting over resources. Eden was a place of peace, harmony, and mutual relationships."

From "I" to "We": The Path Back to Eden

One of the most revealing moments in Genesis 3 comes after Adam and Eve eat the fruit. When God calls out, "Where are you?" Adam replies, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself" (Genesis 3:10). Notice the language: "No 'we.' No 'us.' Just 'I.'"

This shift from community to individualism Marks our departure from Eden. "You and I have to find a way, as a church, as a community, as a nation, to leave 'I' and 'me' behind and get back to 'us' and 'we.' That's how we get back to Eden. That's how we accept Jesus' invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven."

God's "Nevertheless"

Even as humanity chose separation, God's providence continued. After Adam and Eve's transgression, "God nevertheless lovingly crafted garments for them to wear" (Genesis 3:21). This small detail reveals God's enduring care—what I call God's "nevertheless." Despite our failures, God continues to provide.

Putting It Into Practice: Finding Our Way Back

These ancient texts, "when liberated from centuries of patriarchal projection, reveal something revolutionary: relationships of mutuality rather than domination were God's original design." The Eden narrative isn't primarily about blame or punishment but about explaining humanity's condition while pointing toward God's ideal.

So how do we apply this understanding?

Examine our interpretations: Question the "Mandela Effects" in your understanding of scripture. Ask yourself if your interpretation comes from the text itself or from cultural assumptions.
Move from blame to responsibility: "Instead of wielding [this story] as a weapon, we can treat it as an invitation to stop our tendency to blame others." When we point fingers, we lose the interconnectedness God intended.
See others as God sees them: Look at each person "not as potential collateral damage of our outsourced blame, but instead as how God sees us: as glimpses of that garden's goodness, a goodness that's still there, bent and damaged maybe, but not beyond repair."
Trust God's providence: Remember that "God's providence didn't remain behind in the garden." Even when we wander into wildernesses of our own choosing, God continues to care for us.

Eden still exists in God's vision for humanity. And though "the moral arc of the universe is long indeed," I'm confident that "God's leaving the light on" for our return to the garden of mutual relationship and peace

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The God Who Sees: Lessons from Hagar's Story

6/15/2025

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Have you ever felt invisible, forgotten, or cast aside? In a world that often overlooks the marginalized, there's a powerful story in the Bible that reminds us of a God who sees everyone, especially those society ignores. Let's explore the remarkable tale of Hagar, a woman whose encounter with God challenges our assumptions and offers hope to the forgotten.

The Power of Names

Names carry immense significance in the Bible. They're not just labels; they're vehicles of meaning and identity. In our sermon series on women in the Old Testament, we encounter Hagar, whose very name speaks volumes:

"Hagar's name is, as Old Testament scholar Wilda Gafney puts it, more epithet than name. 'Ha-gar' means 'the alien.' Hagar, therefore, is the 'other.' Hagar is the undocumented immigrant. Hagar is the uninsured single mother. Hagar is the trans person who avoids traveling to certain parts of the United States because of the hateful rhetoric directed at them and others like them. Hagar is the lost, forgotten, and abused. Hagar is 'the least of these' that Jesus spoke so frequently of."

In a world quick to dehumanize those we don't understand, Hagar's story reminds us of the importance of recognizing each person's inherent dignity.

God Sees the Invisible

The heart of Hagar's story lies in her encounters with God. Twice, when she finds herself in desperate situations, God intervenes. What's remarkable is how God addresses her:

"'Hagar,' the Lord calls out to her in a moment of terror and desperation, 'Hagar....' You see, Hagar had fled the anger of her owner. The text tells us that the reason for Sarah's wrath was that Hagar looked upon her with 'contempt.'"

In a narrative where even her owners, Abraham and Sarah, refuse to use her name, God calls Hagar by name. This simple act of recognition carries profound meaning. It tells us that no matter how invisible we may feel, God sees us.

The Woman Who Named God

But Hagar's story doesn't stop there. In an unprecedented moment, Hagar does something no one else in Scripture does:

"Hagar gives God a name. In all of scripture, it is God who does the naming. God names the earthling 'Adam' and his companion 'Eve.' God renames Saul as Paul and Simon as Peter. You see, naming someone was thought of as having authority and dominion over them... If God reveals God's name, it's always on God's terms and God's terms alone! As such, no one names God. Except, that is, a woman by the name of Hagar."

Hagar calls God "El-roi," which means "the God who sees me." This name encapsulates the heart of Hagar's experience with God - a divine being who notices and cares for those society overlooks.

The God of the Marginalized

Hagar's story speaks powerfully to our current social and political climate. In a world where people are often dehumanized and marginalized, Hagar's experience reminds us of an essential truth:

"The story of Hagar conveys this truth about God: God is, first and foremost, on the side of the forgotten and abused. In these days when nationalism rears its ugly head and tanks roll through the streets of our nation's capital, the story of Hagar reminds the Church that God isn't only a God of Israel, or the United States, or any nation for that matter. No, ours is a God of all nations, all people, and all Creation."

Putting It Into Practice

So how do we live out the lessons of Hagar's story? Here are some practical steps:

See the Invisible: Make a conscious effort to notice and acknowledge those society often overlooks. Learn their names, hear their stories.
Challenge Dehumanizing Language: When you hear people referred to as "illegals," "aliens," or other dehumanizing terms, speak up. Remind others of the power of names and the dignity of all people.
Be an El-roi: Strive to be someone who truly sees others, especially those who feel forgotten or marginalized.
Trust in God's Vision: Remember that no matter how invisible you may feel, God sees you. As I said in the sermon, "Whether you are oppressed like Hagar or wandering in a wilderness of another kind, God sees you."

In a world that often feels chaotic and unjust, Hagar's story reminds us of a God who sees, who cares, and who acts on behalf of the marginalized. May we all strive to embody this divine characteristic, seeing and valuing every person we encounter.

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Building Towers of Unity: Lessons from Babel and Pentecost

6/10/2025

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Have you ever wondered why we struggle to understand each other, even when we speak the same language? The Biblical stories of the Tower of Babel and Pentecost offer profound insights into this human dilemma and point us towards a solution.

The Tale of Two Towers

On this Pentecost Sunday, I'd like to take you on a journey through two contrasting stories from the Bible: the Tower of Babel and the day of Pentecost. These narratives, found in Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-21 respectively, mirror each other in fascinating ways.

In the story of the Tower of Babel, we see a united humanity with a common language. They decide to build a tower "with its top in the heavens" to "make a name for ourselves" (Genesis 11:4). But God intervenes, confusing their language and scattering them across the earth.

Fast forward to Pentecost, and we find a diverse group of people suddenly able to understand each other, despite speaking different languages. The Holy Spirit descends, and everyone hears the disciples "speaking about God's deeds of power" in their own native tongue (Acts 2:11).

The Purpose Behind the Tower

Traditionally, many have interpreted the Babel story as God feeling threatened by human ambition. But I've never found this convincing. Instead, I believe God's concern was with their intention. They wanted to "make a name for themselves" - a self-serving goal rather than one that honored community and unity.

There's incredible beauty in people uniting to achieve the seemingly impossible. Think about the eradication of polio, the International Space Station, or the Civil Rights movement. These "high-rise skyscraper" dreams are blessed by God because they benefit our neighbors and create a more just world for everyone.

Building Towers That Matter

This Pentecost, I believe God is calling us to build different kinds of towers - ones that embrace our diversity rather than fear it. What if we united to create structures that end poverty? What if we worked together to protect our children and marginalized communities from violence? What if we built a society that celebrates the diverse tapestry of our nation?

The Divine Architect's Blueprint

The people of Babel made a crucial mistake: they outsourced the architect. They had a ready-made Architect available - one with extensive experience building everything in Creation! But they chose a different architect: the architect of their own hubris.

But hear me, Church: the Divine Architect has already given us the blueprint, and His name is Jesus Christ. And to help us interpret this blueprint together, God gave us the Holy Spirit. That's what Pentecost is all about.

Pentecost reminds us that we need the diversity of Creation to see God in one another. It emphasizes that none of us, on our own, can faithfully understand God, proclaim God, or serve God. We need each other.

Life Application: Building Towers of Unity

Embrace Diversity: Recognize that our differences are not a curse, but a blessing from God. Seek out perspectives different from your own.
Serve Others: Focus on building "towers" that benefit your community, not just yourself. Look for ways to help those in need.
Listen Actively: As Walter Brueggemann suggests, Pentecost gives us "a fresh capacity to listen." Practice truly hearing others, especially those with different viewpoints.
Unite for Good: Join efforts that bring people together for positive change, whether in your church, community, or the wider world.
Follow the Divine Blueprint: Look to Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all your "building projects."

Remember, the Tower of Babel may have crumbled, but we are blessed with the Spirit of Pentecost to construct new towers - ones that unite neighbors to build pillars that please God for their ability to help instead of harm, to hold instead of hurt, and to bridge the chasms we create between one another.

In the name of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, may we all become builders of unity. Amen.

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Breaking Down Walls: Celebrating Transitions and Remembering the Forgotten

6/1/2025

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Have you ever wondered what happens when the walls that divide us come tumbling down? When strangers become friends, oppressors become evangelists, and inmates walk free? It's odd stuff, friends. It's the work of the Gospel.

As we stand on the cusp of significant transitions in our church and community, let us explore how these moments of triumph can inspire us to look beyond our comfort zones and seek out those who may be forgotten.

A Time of Transition and Celebration

I couldn't be prouder of our congregation at this moment. Over the past few months, we've united in an incredible act of Christian hospitality. As I shared in my sermon, "In just a few hours, we will welcome a group of women from Greensboro Urban Ministry and provide them with food and shelter for the next 90 days."

This effort has truly been a labor of love. "You all have come together in an act of Christian unity to get the job done to provide hospitality to our neighbors who are striving for steady employment and stable housing," I noted. It's a tangible expression of the Good News, nourishing both the spirits and bodies of our neighbors.

But that's not the only transition we're celebrating. Today, we also honor our graduates – those who have completed high school, college, and university. "Each graduate represents a unique journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and we take pride in their achievements," I emphasized. These milestones are not just personal victories but celebrations for our entire community.

Lessons from Paul and Silas: Singing in the Face of Adversity

As we consider these transitions, let's turn to the powerful story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:16-34. These early church leaders found themselves in a dire situation – shackled in a deep, dank prison cell. But their response was extraordinary.

I shared in my sermon, "But rather than despair in their incarceration, they dare to sing praises to God! They sang so fervently that the earth itself decided to join in the chorus!" Their faith-filled response led to a miraculous turn of events – an earthquake that broke their chains and opened the prison doors.

This story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to choose our response. Paul and Silas chose praise, and their decision led to transformation not just for themselves, but also for their jailer.

The Importance of Looking Back and Looking Forward

In moments of triumph and transition, it's crucial to pause and reflect. As I mentioned, "it's important to give thanks for all that has been done and, just as importantly, to give thanks for all the people who have helped you do it!"

But we can't stop at looking back. We must also look forward, recognizing that "there is much work left to be done." This brings us to a critical point in our reflection.

Remembering the Forgotten: Who's Missing from Our Story?

In the story of Paul and Silas, there is a character who disappears from the narrative – the slave girl whose presence sparked the entire series of events. As I pointed out in my sermon, "There's an uncomfortable reality in today's text: the girl disappears. She's never mentioned again in the Book of Acts."

This omission challenges us to look beyond the apparent victories and ask ourselves, "Who is missing?" I emphasized, "Neighbors, as we gather at the Table in just a few minutes, it's important not only to see who is present but also to ask ourselves who is missing. The answer to that question marks the beginning of our discipleship."

Life Application: Breaking Down Walls and Seeking the Forgotten

As we move forward in our faith journey, let's challenge ourselves to:

Celebrate Transitions: Whether it's welcoming new guests or honoring graduates, let's rejoice in the milestones and new beginnings in our community.
Sing in Adversity: Like Paul and Silas, let's choose to praise God even in difficult circumstances, trusting that our faith can move mountains-or shake prison walls!
Look for the Missing: In every situation, ask yourself, "Who's not here? Who's been forgotten?" Then take action to include and uplift those individuals.
Break Down Walls: Actively work to dismantle the barriers that separate us from others, whether they're physical, social, or emotional walls.

Remember, as I said, "The good news, too, is this: that girl, whatever her name may be, is still out there. It's our job to find her. It's our job to welcome her to the table." Let's commit ourselves to this mission, for in seeking out the forgotten, we'll surely find Christ himself.

May we continue to pray and sing songs to God, as Paul and Silas did, for there are still many shackles to be broken and walls to be torn down. In doing so, we truly become the Church, embodying the transformative power of the Gospel in our community and beyond.

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The Unsung Heroines: How Women Saved Moses and Changed History

Beyond the Blame Game: Rediscovering Eden's True Message

The God Who Sees: Lessons from Hagar's Story

Building Towers of Unity: Lessons from Babel and Pentecost

Breaking Down Walls: Celebrating Transitions and Remembering the Forgotten

Rev. Stephen M. Fearing

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