Moses is one of the most recognised figures in the Bible. We know a great deal about him from the details we were provided in Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. He is known as the deliverer of his people, the Israelites, from slavery.
Moses’ life is divided into three major sections of 40 years each. The first 40 years were spent in Pharaoh’s court; the second 40, in the desert of Midian; and the last 40, in the desert of Sinai. A number of steps were involved in Moses’ journey of faith.
First, Moses rejected his royal position: “By faith Moses, when he became of age (40 years old, Acts 7:23), refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,” Heb. 11:24. This decision was an act of faith. He chose to leave his royal privileges in Egypt and identify with the Israelite slaves (Ex. 1:8–14).
Second, Moses chose “rather suffer affliction with the people of God” (Heb. 11:25). He viewed Israel not as slaves, but as God’s people. He knew the Lord had called him to be part of his people’s divine destiny and was willing to suffer affliction with them.
Third, Moses refused to “enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,” (v. 25). His royal position offered him all the privileges, enjoyment and experiences of prestige and power that most men want. However, Moses shunned them all. For him to remain in Egypt’s court would have been the sin of disobedience because he knew God was calling him to a divine mission among the Israelites.
As the text says, sin is a “passing pleasure;” it provides only momentary satisfaction that is deceptive and fleeting (v. 26) — to be derided, laughed at, and persecuted for his choice.
Moses’ decision is put into perspective here: “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt,” (v. 26). To be willing to suffer for Jesus Christ whom he never saw, but only read about was a great act of faith.
Moses considered what he had in the Messiah (Christ) to be “greater riches than the treasures in Egypt,” Heb. 11:26. Bible expositor Homer Kent wrote: “The wealth and opulence of the Eighteenth Dynasty is well known from the remains of tombs and temples. The fabulous treasures discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen, a later Pharaoh in this dynasty, speak eloquently of the luxuries available to royalty in Egypt.” Moses gave up great wealth for the greater wealth he had in Christ. He knew he would be rewarded for his faith, and “he looked to the reward” (v. 26). He did not look for earthly wealth and opulence, but rather, for spiritual wealth that was eternal and would be granted in the life to come. Moses’ choices and decisions made him a man of persevering faith.
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