“The First Heroes of Exodus”

A Service of the Word for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 23, 2026: IN-PERSON and ONLINE at 10:30 a.m.
Pastor Youngsun, associate minister, preaching
Matthew 16: 13-20 and Exodus 1:8-2:10

This Sunday we enter the opening chapters of Exodus, where the story of liberation begins in quiet, courageous places. Scripture sometimes reveals who God is, and sometimes reveals who we are-and at the very start of Exodus, the first heroes emerge not from palaces but from the margins. Shiphrah and Puah resist Pharaoh’s violence, choosing life over fear. Moses' mother hides her child, his sister watches over him, and Pharaoh’s daughter draws him form the water. Many of their voices are not spoken aloud, yet silence does not mean inactivity; God is already moving through those who act with compassion and courage.

As we hear this beginning, we remember that deliverance often starts in hidden, ordinary acts of faithfulness.