Puah and Shiphara translated into English mean: Beauty and Splendor. In scripture, names are significant. Beauty and Splendor saved a whole generation. Why do you think this story about Beauty and Splendor defying authority and saving a generation is told in the Bible? Do you think it is just a history lesson? By no means. It is about us. People who will stand up to what is wrong, and put themselves on the line for others have souls filled with beauty and splendor.
Jesus gave us a wonderful example. No matter what we’ve been taught, no matter who we’ve been taught to hate and demonize, we can let compassion rule the day and our hearts. Even if we have to let go of our interpretations of scripture, and culture, we need to keep drawing that circle wider. I like to think the point of the story isn’t so much about if Jesus’ mind changed, it’s more about if your mind can change, can you let go of stereotypes, insensitivities, dehumanizing language?
When we are low and confused and sighing in frustration or grief or whatever, we don’t have to worry about getting the words or thoughts right for God to respond.