The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews is
commonly known as the "Faith" chapter because it is rich in lessons on
faith. This ongoing series, "Faith", takes a close look at the lessons
we can learn from this chapter. For previous lessons on Faith, go to www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/folder4/Faith%20--%20A%20Miniseries.htm
Faith, Lesson 16
By Faith Moses. . . Part 1
In last week's lesson on faith from the Hebrews 11:20,21, we learned that
true faith requires action that is sometimes completely contrary to what we see
around us. It requires that we do NOT ask "what about" or "what
if" or "why", but that we simply do. Now let's go on to Heb.
11:24-27 for a lesson in faith brought to us by Moses:
"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of
Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God
rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace
for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because
he was looking ahead to his reward." (Heb. 11:24-27 NIV)
Our friend Moses was in a tough spot. He had been adopted as Pharaoh's
grandchild, and he was destined to be the next Pharaoh of Egypt (see Ex. 2).
This must have seemed to him and his people like the hand of God was at work. I
mean, if Moses were Pharaoh, all of Israel's problems would be resolved. They
could return to their former lives of peace and prosperity in the Land of
Goshen.
It must have come as quite a shock to Israel when Moses declined this offer by
killing an Egyptian and fleeing into the wilderness to escape Pharaoh's wrath!
(See Ex. 2:11-15)
Why did he do it? Hebrews tells us that it was because he "regarded
disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt
. . . Because he was looking ahead to his reward." (Hebrews 11:27)
Wait a minute. What was Moses' reward? When he left Egypt at age 40, we are told
that he went into the wilderness and herded sheep for 40 years. Then God called
him and he began leading people instead of sheep. His ultimate destination was
the land of Canaan, but after 40 years of wandering with the people in the
wilderness, Moses was not permitted to enter, and he died within sight of the
Promised Land.
Doesn't sound like much of a reward, does it?
Maybe Moses' reward was the praise and honor of the people he led.
Or maybe not. Here's what God says about the people: "'I have seen these
people,' the LORD said to Moses, 'and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave
me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy
them.'" (Ex. 32:9-10)
Some reward!
But Moses wasn't looking for an earthly reward. His faith in God far superseded
anything so carnal. Moses' eyes were fixed on his heavenly reward, and he
received it. Moses would later appear on the Mount of Transfiguration as an
honored resident of Heaven! (See Matt 17:3)
Which would you rather be, friends? A Pharaoh? Or an Honored resident of Heaven?
I'd say Moses made the right choice, wouldn't you? Despite the humiliation and
hardship he must have suffered on Earth, his faith that God would give him his
due reward in Heaven earned him a spot in the book of Hebrews: By faith Moses .
. .
Enough to ponder, friends. But do ponder this: When we are within God's will, it
doesn't matter what bad things happen to us on this earth, because we can trust
that God will provide us with an ultimate Heavenly reward.
Join us next week for the next lesson in faith to be learned from the life of
Moses.
God bless you!
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Author, Moderator, the Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets, www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/
, Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org
.