“[Moses chose] 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. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”
Hebrews 11:25-27
On Sunday I made reference to Christ’s amazing intercessory ministry for us. 1 John 2:1 and Hebrews 7:25 are two of the clearest passages that describe how our Lord faithfully defends and represents us to His Father in Heaven. For some reason my wires got crossed and I blurted out a wrong reference. Instead of Hebrews 7:25 I referenced Hebrews 11:27. I praise God that He still works graciously with imperfection to accomplish His purposes. I also praise Him for audio editing software! Whatever the case, Hebrews 11:25-27 is a wonderful devotional passage that we would do well to reflect upon. We are reminded first of all that following and serving God will mean overcoming opposition and making sacrifices. In this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), and it is through many tribulations that we enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). The writer to the Hebrews also admits that sin can be enjoyable, but it is fleeting, providing pleasure only “for a season.” Moses is a stellar object lesson and an example to us. He understood that the rewards for faithfulness far outstrip any sacrifice God may ask us to make in His service. Even though the Pharaoh of Egypt was arguably the most powerful, and therefore the most dangerous, man in the world, Moses remained unimpressed and unintimidated. Moses understood very well that the best of men are men at best. In the 90th Psalm, the prophet contrasted, in the most sobering terms possible, man’s frailty with God’s greatness, eternality, and infinitude. In the service of the King of kings, Moses faithfully endured many trials, “as seeing him who is invisible.” What a remarkable statement this is, and what an example to follow! How different would our lives be if we conducted ourselves in this fashion, as people who could see the Lord Jesus as clearly as we see one another? How different would our speech and conduct be if we could discern, unmistakably and irresistibly, Christ with us? Undoubtedly, we would be more prayerful, more patient, more gracious and ready to forgive. We would be more courageous also, being emboldened to share our faith with more people and with greater passion. May the God we love but cannot see strengthen our “eyes of faith” so that we might better and more consistently regard His presence in our lives, moment by moment. May this enlightenment serve to draw us into a more intimate relationship with the Savior Who loved us first, and may it spur us on to greater displays of love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).
God bless and strengthen you today, dear saints!
Pastor John
English