The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 11:26-27. As the author continues to write of Moses' faith, his refusal "to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter", and his choice to "endure ill-treatment with the people of God", he tells us that Moses was "considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen."
Like Moses, we too should consider the "greater riches" that are found in Christ, even "the reproach of Christ", than the treasures of this world, our "Egypt". As we see in this passage, there were the "treasures of Egypt" and there was "the reward". The treasures of "Egypt" include all that is alluring to the flesh, while "the reward" is the allure of the new creature in Christ we have been created to be. It is the Spirit within us that cries, "Abba, Father" and longs to do His will. Make no mistake, the "treasures of Egypt" tug strongly at the flesh and the flesh longs for them in return. But, brother in Christ, "greater riches" are always found in Him! No matter what your "Egypt" may offer you, "greater riches" are yours in Christ.
As we had seen previously in verse 25, "enduring ill-treatment" may go hand in hand with any decision we make to stand with God, His Son, His people and His ways. Jesus taught that we should not be surprised at such. We are called to be people who fix their eyes on Jesus and to look heavenward while we sojourn on this earth. Where we are looking with our heart and mind can make all the difference in our daily walk.
In today's text we see that focus was instrumental for Moses as well. We read that he endured, "seeing Him who is unseen". May I suggest this? As sure as He is unseen, is He not also seen? This is not intended to be double talk. But have you not seen Him in His word? Have we not seen Him in our lives and in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Can we not see Him working in this world and in the church He is building? I
suspect that you will join with me and say "yes" and "amen" to these questions.
As a final thought I must bring attention to how faith worked similarly in Moses as it did with his parents. Back in verse 23 we saw that fear "of the king's edict" was overshadowed or overcome by the faith of Moses' parents. And in today's passage we see that it was again faith that allowed Moses to not fear "the wrath of the king". I'm reminded of 1 John 4:19 where we read that perfect love casts out fear. Loving Him is trusting Him; having faith in Him. May your faith and mine grow through the bountiful provision of His grace. By faith, may we "press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus", always looking to our reward; seeing "Him just as He is".
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