“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:24;26
As a young man, Moses literally had it made in Egypt! He lacked nothing! He was brought up in the house of Pharaoh, he was destined for greatness, lifetime security, wealth and power, everything that people aspire to then and now. Yet, there came a time when he made the decision that no matter what this world had given him, either by inheritance or what he gained through advancing himself; he saw a reward far greater than anything this world could even approach. It was a reward that would not tarnish with age and would come from God alone. 1500 years later, Jesus quoted Moses many times! He also rebuked the Pharisees for receiving honor from one another and for not seeking the honor that comes from God alone! Could He have had the example of Moses in mind?
Moses, along with a host of others in the scriptures, like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, the prophets, Daniel, the three Hebrew brothers, and even Saul of Tarsus, all forsook the empty promises of earthly rewards to seek after the reward that comes from God alone! Could we learn from their examples? Or, do popular trends, notoriety, approval from others, financial security and the day to day currents take up more room in our hearts than the testimony of Christ? One common thread that seems to define each of these people was that they found their identity in something they could not lose. If our identity is in Christ, and we are secure in who we are in Christ, our values and priorities will come in line with God’s values. Instead of basing our faith in our own performance, we will seek the rewards given to Christ, and through Him, to us. Moses and the few men mentioned above, shared in a mutual respect for the rewards that come from God alone, and I don’t believe anyone questions how well they are doing right now!
How about you? Do you sense a need to renew your values, your priorities, and forsake those values and priorities for the eternal rewards of God? Jim Elliot, the famous missionary killed in Ecuador in 1956, once wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” 1500 years from now, will people speak of you? God wants to reward you! And His rewards are forever and forever!
With Love,
Pastor Tom