Moses – A Hero of Faith
The author of the Hebrews wrote, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Moses believed that the future inheritance of the just to be worth every sacrifice he might offer in this present life. He believed God’s promise, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).
Leaving Worldly Honor
Before the exodus, by faith, Moses refused Egyptian royalty, honor, and power because of his hope in the eternal rewards that God had prepared for him and his nation. At that time, it seemed pointless to have such hope because the Hebrew people were enslaved by the mightiest nation on earth. He had to choose between the throne of Egypt or and plight of slaves. And he chose God. Paul had a similar experience, He said, “I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).
After the ninth plague, Pharaoh had put God’s prophet under the threat of death should he again appear in the royal presence (Exodus 10:28). It took outstanding courage and faith from Moses to proclaim the death of the first born of Egypt, the Passover, and the Exodus. God’s faithful man believed God’s Word fully and didn’t fear for his life. He felt, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).
And after the exodus, even as leader of the Hebrew people, Moses suffered “affliction.” The Israelites were stiff-necked, mummers and disobedient people. The work he chose had little to offer as far as worldly benefits were concerned. Moses could have rationalized that if he was still a king of Egypt, he would be in a better position to free his people (Exodus 2:11). But as a ruler, he would also be considered a religious leader (or a god) in that pagan system. And he would be subject to the corrupting influences. But he realized it was time to obey the Lord’s command, “Come out of her, my people” (Jeremiah 51:45 also Revelation 18:4).
The Eye of Faith
Moses understood the promise of the Messiah, and knew that his people will be freed from slavery not by human hands. He saw that God will send the deliverer who will set His people free from all bondage. The Lord promised Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22:18 also Galatians 3:8, 16). This is why God’s servant didn’t pay attention to the wealth Egypt, the splendor of its court and the power of its army.
His eyes were fixed upon the promises of God’s covenant. Like Paul 15 centuries later, God’s prophet willingly gave up the world and its power to gain the eternal promises of the Lord. He looked for the future reward that could be seen only with the eye of faith. “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
