By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing 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 11:24-27
Moses made a choice that made all the difference. This decision drastically changed his circumstances here on earth and in eternity. The decision was whether to live for the “here and now” or for the “there and then.”
Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Thus, he would not identify himself with the Egyptians and their practice of oppressing the Hebrew people. Moses refused to continue to serve in a court that mistreated God’s people.
In refusing this identification Moses lost his high position in Pharaoh’s palace. He, thus, missed out on a life of opulence and ease. He missed out on the opportunities to fulfill every fleshly desire that palace life would have afforded him because he knew fleshly desires are fleeting.
Because of his decision Moses suffered. He shared the trials of the Hebrew people with whom he chose to identify himself. There were dangers involved in this identification that meant he had to flee for his life and spend forty years in exile in the land of Midian.
But what Moses gained was worth it all. He had the favor of God. Through Moses God gave liberty to the Hebrew people; thus, Moses fulfilled his highest potential in being useful for God’s plan. Because of his decision, Moses received the riches of heaven (Matthew 17:3), greater than anything earth can offer.
How did Moses see his way clear to make this all-important decision? How could he suffer in this life and yet be triumphant? He did it by faith. He saw Him who is invisible. By faith he respected God’s reward for a faithful life and received it (Hebrews 11:6).
What decision will you make? Will you live for the here and now? Or looking to the invisible God, will you live by faith?
-Mark Day
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