Title [Text: Hebrews 11:24-26] Moses' faith
Moses is a famous leader who liberated the nation of Israel from Egypt. He was able to become such a great leader because he inherited the faith from his faithful parents (Amram and Jochebed). Although he lived in the Pharaoh's palace when he was weaned, the lessons of the law, national consciousness, and true faith that he was taught by his parents during his infant days made Moses' life completely on God's side. Today, by introducing this great faith of Moses, I hope that all the saints will receive grace and live a more holy and blessed life this year.
1. Rejected worldly honor. (verse 24)
?By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's princess? No one hates fame. Moreover, there is no one who will refuse the honor that comes with wealth, power, and glory. But Moses flatly refused this honor. Because they couldn't give up being God's people. This is because, in order to become the son of Pharaoh's princess, he had to give up being a Hebrew, that is, a people of Israel.
Some of the saints are ashamed of being God's people. When being a believer becomes an obstacle to gaining honor in the world, they throw it away without any regrets. That's stupid. Faith is giving up worldly honor. Honor that departs from faith is not true honor. There is no other honor that is more precious and blessed than the honor of being a child of God. Still, it is very sad that there are many who give up this name and seek worldly honor. I hope that they will learn the right faith from Moses, who wanted to become a people of Israel rather than become the son of Pharaoh's princess, and become believers who live proudly.
2. He chose the sufferings of the saints rather than the pleasures of sin. (25)
Moses was able to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh as much as he wanted. He was in a position to live in the Baroque Palace, satisfying all his needs. If he left the palace and came to the people of Israel, he would have to experience great hardship. Status became slavery and work was servitude. Which of the two is a normal choice as a person with the flesh? It is to enjoy pleasure in Pharaoh's palace. But Moses chose not the sinful pleasures of Pharaoh's palace, but the sufferings of God's people. This is faith. “You prefer to suffer with God’s people than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a while?” he said.
3. He chose reproach for Christ over all the treasures of Egypt. (26)
No one hates treasure. Honestly, who doesn't like money? I like money more than fame than power. Because of this money, there are many people who are passive in their religious life and even turn their back on Christ. Paul gave this instruction to Timothy, whom he loved and cherished very much. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it; if we have food and clothing, we will be content with it. Those who want to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts. The love of money is the root of all evil, and those who long for it have been deceived, and have erred from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Only you, man of God, avoid these? (1 Timothy 6:7-11)
If Moses had remained in Pharaoh's palace, he could have become the ruler of Egypt, and all the treasures of Egypt could be brought into his hands. However, if they approached the people of Israel, they would only wait for nakedness, hunger, and humiliation, let alone treasure. Without hesitation, Moses chose the path of being humiliated for Christ's sake. It was a great religious decision. He was able to make such a choice because he looked to the reward. While looking at Enoch, he was introduced to the words, “Should we believe that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him?” (Hebrews 11:6) We must believe in God. You have to look at the supremacy. We must believe that God's reward is greater than all the treasures of Egypt. Then we can choose to be humiliated with Christ rather than the treasures of Egypt. And finally, you will receive a great reward from God.
We celebrated our first Sunday in 2002. We can expect a lot this year as well. Fame, pleasure, or money will be a priority. But there is something more important than that. It is to possess eternal heaven. It is the reward that God has prepared for you. For that, I hope it will be a year of living by faith.
Let us cherish the name of the saint. Join us in the sufferings of the saints. Let us not escape being reproached for Christ's sake. I hope that the Lord's comfort, grace, and blessing will fill all the saints who start with this determination.