By Faith, Like Moses

"Moses spent forty years in the king's palace thinking that he was somebody; then he lived forty years in the wilderness finding out that without GOD he was a nobody; finally he spent forty more years discovering how a nobody with GOD can be a somebody."   -Dwight L. Moody

Of the nature and effects of true faith, we can learn much from the example of timeless believers. They demonstrate that their faith had a powerful influence on their behavior (actions). Among those individuals, who performed, through faith, important services, and endured severe hardship and hardship, Moses commands a large presence.

Scripture declares that, "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 fleeting pleasures of sin. 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 11:24-26).

This narrative of Moses shows that he chose the torment of a saint rather than the pleasures of a sinner. From his situation in Egypt he had every opportunity to enjoy sinful pleasures in great measure before he openly affixed himself to the people of God.

He also could have enjoyed a high degree of worldly honor. When he was an infant, he was accepted into the royal family of Egypt, being looked upon and treated as the son of Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:10). If he had chosen, he might have become king of one the most most famous kingdoms of the world.

Moses might have enjoyed a large portion of earthly riches. Egypt was a very wealthy kingdom. Instead, he "regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt." As these words imply, all the treasures in the land were his for the asking. 

Sinful pleasures, such as: elegant palaces, expensive clothing, servants to attend his every need, drink, and public recognition and adulation could have been his without question. However, Moses chose not to indulge in these pleasures, but rather to suffer with the people of God (Israel).

Unquestionably, Moses' behavior differed immensely from the general conduct of men. To many, his actions appear unheard of and unreasonable. As to the way he conducted himself, whether it was the effect of knowledge or ignorance, foolishness or wisdom, sinfulness or goodness, we can't determine unless we know why he was persuaded to choose what he suffered, instead of what he might have taken pleasure in.

From the description of his character given in Scriptures, as well as the account of his conduct, it is obvious that Moses was an intelligent and capable man. Therefore, we can rule out any mental weakness or disadvantage.

Nor was he lacking or unaware of the proper information in regards to his choices. Moses was well familiar, both, with the opportunities that were bestowed upon him as a member of the royal family of Egypt, and the afflicted and shameful condition of the people of God.

Perhaps, Moses might have preferred the sorrows of a saint to the pleasures of a sinner because he had never been tempted to choose the delights of the latter, instead of the former? We know this cannot be due to what we know about his childhood (as the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter), and his renown for wisdom as an adult in Egypt.

The temptation to become a sinner rather than a saint could not have been greater for him. With his competence, all of this information at his disposal, and abundant temptations, why did Moses choose as he did?  The true answer can be found in Hebrews 11:24, "by faith."

Some might ask, "How could faith cause Moses to make his decision?" This may be answered thusly, by faith Moses realized the truth concerning what he might have enjoyed as a sinner. He saw that he could take pleasure in sin for only a season. And that, by choosing sin he would deprive himself of every joy and hope during his brief and vain life.

By faith, he knew that a sinful life would displease his holy Creator and bring endless torment and despair upon himself. By faith Moses saw the purpose and glory of God, and to promote this he decided to suffer as a saint rather than revel in sin. Besides, Moses could never receive a greater reward than he would enjoy in the most perfect manifestation of the divine glory.

In order to achieve his purposes and display his glory, God will produce the greatest measure of knowledge, holiness and happiness that can exist in us. Thereby, believers are to be willing to sacrifice and suffer whatever God determines, as well as do what he requires, in order to advance the greatest concerns of his kingdom, as did Moses, "by faith."

Scripture: Luke 1:37; Joshua 1:9; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Corinthians 2:5; Hebrews 11:1

Prayer: Dear God,  look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Amen.  -Psalm 119:132-133 (NKJV)

May God always bless you,

Judith