March 18, 2019

BIBLE READING: HEBREWS 11

Hebrews 11:23-29
23. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
24. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;
25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king:for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

Many of you would know this chapter as what we call the “hall of faith”. There is listed many individuals and the faith that pleased God in their lives. None of these people were perfect, but God appreciates and honors faith in a person’s life. As we are told about the faith of Moses, as much information is given about his life in this chapter as anyone else. Notice the complete snapshot of his life, and the faith he displayed all along the way:

1. Through a “perilous beginning”, Moses was protected from an evil adversary (23)
2. Through a “prosperous upbringing” as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, by faith Moses kept himself centered despite the laziness that prosperity often brings. (24)
3. Through “pleasurable opportunities” that Moses no doubt had access to, the faith of Moses kept him willing to suffer affliction rather than enjoy those pleasures temporarily. (25)
4. Despite “promised persecutions” for choosing Christ over comfort, the faith of Moses considered that greater wealth, than great wealth. (26)
5. Through faith, Moses did not fear a “powerful pharaoh”, because Moses was able to see a greater authority that no one else could see. (27)
6. Through the tragedy of the “Passover”, Moses taught the people faith, and to trust God, thus protecting their firstborn.
7. Finally, through the “parting of the Red Sea”, the faith of Moses trusted God to make a way of escape through the pressing walls of water across that sea. The very water that drowned his enemies within moments.

Yes, a lot happened to Moses, but when you have faith every step of the way, God can do some miraculous things. May we live “by faith” today.