The story of Moses is well known but have you ever considered the other actors in his story? Take a look at Exodus 2

This passage records how three women (Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses’ mother, and Moses’ sister) thwarted Pharaoh’s plans by helping Moses live. One of them is just a young girl: Miriam (Moses’ sister) 

Immediately before the birth narrative of Moses begins, we learn of Pharaoh’s plan to enslave the Hebrews in order to curb their population growth. Once Pharaoh realized this plan was not working, he decided to kill the newborn sons of every Hebrew family (1:15-22). Pharaoh never recognized that his fight was not against the Hebrew people but against their God. Moses was born in a time of oppression at the hands of Egypt. It does not take much imagination to sense the fear and intimidation that must have swept through Hebrew homes. The man who would be the saviour for the Israelites was born in secret and hidden from the world for three months (2:2). When he grew too big to hide, his mother built him a basket made of papyrus reeds and coated with tar and pitch (2:3). With the infant Moses lying inside, she set the basket adrift on the Nile River, uncertain if she would ever see her son again.

Moses’ sister, Miriam, makes her first appearance in the narrative once he is placed in the river (2:4). The Bible does not say how old Miriam was at this time. She died near the end of the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings (Num 20:1), but her age at death is not recorded. Some propose she was as young as six or seven; others suggest she may have been ten or eleven.

Miriam follows the basket containing her brother, watching from the safety of the reeds as it floats down the river (2:4). We are not told why she watched the basket, but we can assume she acted as her family’s representative. What was Miriam looking for? Did she expect Moses to be saved or to be killed? Did she simply have to know the end of the story? One Jewish interpretation is that she had predicted to her father that he would have a son who would grow up to be Israel’s liberator. Though happy at first, when the child had to be cast away the father scolded Miriam and asked what would be the outcome of her prophecy. Therefore, she went to the river to see how her prophecy would be fulfilled (Exodus Rabbah 1:26; b. Sotah 12b–13a).

More likely, however, Miriam was simply prayerfully watching, putting into practice behavior she had learned from her mother, trusting that only God could save Moses.

Miriam watches as Pharaoh’s daughter sends a maid to take the baby from the water (2:5). The princess sees the baby and realizes this abandoned child is a Hebrew boy (2:6). Though she knows her father’s edict, she does not call for the infant’s death. Instead, the biblical writer tells us, “He was crying and she felt sorry for him.” Pharaoh’s daughter and her servants remind us that, more often than not, people are created to be kind to one another.

Now Miriam leaps to action. She takes a great risk to reveal herself to the princess and her entourage (2:7). Revealing that she has been spying on the princess puts herself and her brother in danger. It is a bold step, but she takes the risk that God will protect her from harm. She asks Pharaoh’s daughter if she can help by finding “one of the Hebrew women” to nurse and care for the child. Had the princess been so inclined, she could have had both Miriam and her brother put to death.

Instead, the princess acts just as boldly. She tells Miriam to find a woman to nurse her newly adopted son (2:8). Was this a tongue-in-cheek request? Did she know that the young girl and the infant were connected? Did she suspect that Miriam would simply retrieve the baby’s mother? We can only guess. Miriam does, in fact, return with her mother. The mother is thus reunited with the child she thought she would never see again. The princess hires Moses’ mother to nurse and care for him and Moses is protected until the day that through God's grace he leads his people to freedom.

Miriam is the young girl who acts. She becomes the protector of Moses.  She reminds us that God is the one who calls children and young people into discipleship and leadership.

How can you encourage our youngsters to find their 'inner Miriam'?

This is based on the study undertaken by the Monday night homegroup (based on material by Smyth and Helwys). If you are interested in joining a homegroup please get in touch.

How do questions about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage fit within the bigger picture of the good news of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to live in love and faith together as a Church?

We are being invited to “listen and learn together” by running the Church of England’s Living in Love and Faith course looking at these issues.

The dates for these events have been slightly altered to avoid Mothering Sunday - they will now be  Sun 3rd and Sun 10th April 2022 from 2-4pm in the church hall.

If you are interested in taking part please sign up here: Sign up for Living in Love and Faith or call the Church Office 01482 869137
 

Monday, 31 January
11:00- 15.00 Church Open to Visitors
18:30 Church Lads & Girls JTC (10-13yrs) @ George Street
19:00 East Riding County Choir Rehearsal
20:00 Bible Study Group (led by Becky L)
20:00 Church Lads + Girls seniors (13-21yrs) @ George Street
Tuesday, 1 February
11:00- 15.00 Church Open to Visitors
13:30 Bible Course
18:30 Church Lads & Girls 7-10yrs @ George Street
19:45 Chamber Choir Practice
Wednesday, 2 February
10:00 Worship at St Mary's School
11:00- 15.00 Church Open to Visitors
12:00 Supa Club (Bible -St Mary's School)
19:30 Bellringing practice
Thursday, 3 February
10:00 Holy Communion Service
10:30 Coffee Morning in the Parish Hall
11:00- 15.00 Church Open to Visitors
19:30 Bible Study Group (led by Steve C)
Friday, 4 February
09:30 Allsorts Playgroup in the Parish Hall
11:00- 15.00 Church Open to Visitors
18:00 Church Lads + Girls - Martins (5-7yrs) @George Street
19:00 Choir Practice
Saturday, 5 February
11:00- 15.00 Church Open to Visitors
16:00 Worship band practice
Sunday, 6 February
08:00 Holy Communion Service
09:30 Holy Communion with Choir
11:15 The 11.15 Service
16:00 Baptism Preparation
18:30 BCP Communion Service
18:30 Youth Group (SNG) in the hall

A simple form of evening prayer and candle lighting *

At St Mary's we would like to invite you to join us in a short time of prayer every day at 7pm. It involves lighting a candle and placing it in the window and then saying the following prayers as individuals or as households.  You can join with others in these prayers on our Facebook page.

The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord
who made heaven and earth.

A period of silence for reflection on the past day may follow.

O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.

The reading for the day (see below)**

The candle is lit and the following prayer is said
Heavenly Father, accept this burning candle as a sign of faith and love.
Like this candle, bring light into our world
Even as this candle is lit may we know your presence
and be consumed in the warmth of your love.
In your mercy, Lord hear our prayer.

In peace we will lie down and sleep;
for you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.

Abide with us, Lord Jesus
for the night is at hand and the day is now past.

As the night watch looks for the morning
so do we look for you, O Christ.

The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us and give us peace. Amen.
 

Bible Readings for this week
These short readings are those read, day by day, in our prayers (they are borrowed from Taizé). The Bible reference given indicates a slightly longer passage. Please use whichever you prefer.

Mon, 31 January
John writes: The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
John 1:1-18
Tue, 1 February
The law of the Lord is perfect, giving new life to the soul; God’s commands are right, giving joy to the heart.
Psalms 19
Wed, 2 February
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
When Simeon saw the child Jesus, he praised God and said: Now, Lord, you can let your servant depart in peace. For my eyes have seen the salvation you have prepared for all people to see.
Luke 2:22-38
Thu, 3 February
The Lord said to Abraham, “Leave your country, your kinsfolk and your father’s house for the land I will show you.” And Abraham set out, as the Lord had told him.
Genesis 12:1-5
Fri, 4 February
Paul writes: We were beset by conflicts without and by fears within; but God, who encourages the downcast, comforted us.
2 Corinthians 7:1-7
Sat, 5 February
God will make his home among human beings; they will be his people and he will be their God. God will wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 21:1-7