This week I want to focus on Hebrews 11:24-26 (although the whole chapter is excellent). Here, Paul is speaking to the Hebrews, and relates to them a lesson we can learn from the example of the prophet Moses. It is a marvelous passage on the power of faith, its importance, and the consequences that come as a result of faith (or lack thereof).
In Hebrews 11:24-26 Paul states:
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
What a powerful passage! There are many reasons I love this passage, but I want to focus on just a few right now:
Moses was a phenomenal example of what true faith is. True faith is centered in Jesus Christ, Who is the only way to salvation. So, in what ways did Moses put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Moses gave up his life as an Egyptian, which strained his relationship with his (adopted) family, and in some ways destroyed it. He rejected the Pharaoh as his kin by refusing “to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” He did so when realizing who he truly was, a Jew, those enslaved by the Egyptian people. Having to reject the family that raised you sounds unimaginably difficult to me, and I am sure was not easy for Moses. So, why did Moses do it? I may not have every reason why, but there is one thing I know: He had a conviction of the Lord and trust in His promises. He had faith.
Although a difficult journey, Moses cared more about what Christ thought, rather than his fellow men. He knew that the riches of Christ were greater than any treasures Egypt could offer. Rather than bask in the “pleasures of sin,” Moses chose “to suffer affliction with the people of God,” his people.
Who would choose suffering and affliction over enjoyment and pleasure? Those with true faith in God. Those with an eternal perspective and understanding of the Lord and His plan of happiness for us, His children. Moses knew that suffering through affliction in righteousness was a temporal means that brings about eternal rewards, whereas enjoying temporal riches, or the “pleasures of sin,” brings about eternal damnation (separation from God).
When put in that perspective, it is a no-brainer which one I would choose! Of course I want the eternal rewards, rather than eternal damnation, right? If I know this, then why on earth do I sin and make mistakes every single day? It’s because I am imperfect. I succumb to temptation, and much of my sufferings and trials comes through my imperfections. This does not mean I should justify sin, but rather acknowledge that It is through my imperfections that I am perfected, which perfection only comes through Jesus Christ.
Moses was by no means perfect, but he is a phenomenal example of faith because he tried, changed, and was bettered (through the Lord). He learned to trust in the Lord, and helped others to do the same. Moses repented, and relied on Christ to not only make up the difference in his life, but make all the difference in his life.
It is only through Christ that we receive eternal rewards: the gift of salvation, and the opportunity to receive exaltation (to live in God’s presence, become as He is, and receive a fullness of joy). I truly believe Paul used the example of Moses to encourage the Hebrews (Moses's people!) to be better and know that anything is possible to those who believe on the name of Jesus Christ.
It is far better to swim in deep water (the road to eternal rewards), rather than shallow (the road to eternal damnation).
So, my question this week is: How can I better exercise faith in Jesus Christ, and put my trust in Him?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1
No comments:
Post a Comment