Daily Thoughts from Hebrews: Your Greatest Wealth (11:23-28)

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. (Hebrews 11:23-28, ESV)

Moses’ faith is so interesting because he, more than most, had an incredibly attractive world made by human hands that he could have enjoyed with power and wealth most will never see.  If this world is it, his slice of the pie was extraordinary and an irresistible lure to forget the kingdom of God.  But he resisted the lure.  He did not bite.

His parents began the legacy of his faith, trusting that God had something special for Moses, a deduction they made based on his beauty.  We know what is extraordinary beauty and they knew it was a gift from God.

Grown up Moses exercised his own faith when he acknowledged his Hebrew identity and forsook the fleeting pleasures of sin.  Even the enormous wealth of Egypt could not compare to the treasure of knowing Christ.  Yes, he foresaw the coming of God’s anointed one, the Messiah.  Though he fled Egypt the first time he did not fear the anger of the king the second time he left Egypt.  And he believed God’s promise of protection from the Destroyer by applying the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the doorposts.

Where do you believe your greatest wealth lies — in the world or in the Lord?  That’s the key.  There are temporary pleasures available to us.  Will you give up your birthright for a bowl of porridge?

Little kingdom living is an endless search for earthly treasure and unending focus on personal need; Grace calls you to a bigger kingdom.  [Paul D Tripp]