Faith like Moses

I had an opportunity to teach about one of our Heroes of the Faith this past summer, and several things just jumped out at me. 

In Hebrews 11:23-29, we can read a recap of Moses' life and why he is listed in the "faith hall of fame" in Hebrews 11.  Ultimately when you read these verses, we can see that Moses chose God no matter what the circumstance.  Are we choosing God daily?

Moses first chose God over Pharoah.  Moses refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter.  Do we understand what that means?  It took a lot of strength to walk away from a life of riches and power, being part of the ruling class of a strong national power.  Moses chose to live differently than his adoptive family. 

What does our walk show about us, our strength and our faith?  Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  Paul is reminding us here that our daily walk is to be presenting our lives to God as a sacrifice.  I John 2:15 "Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Can the world see our faith?  If the world looks at our behavior, can it see our faith?  If the world listens to our language, can it hear our faith?  If the world views our dress, can it see our faith?  If the world views our Facebook page, can it see our faith?  Everyday when I'm on Facebook, I see comments made by Christians that make me shake my head.  I see pictures posted by "proud" parents of their daughters wearing low-cut, super short fancy dresses as they had out the door to an immoral dance and see their comments about how beautiful they are.  I hear Christians tell off-color jokes, hear them use euphemisms or down-right curse words and wonder.  It makes me sad because I want everyone to be living the life that God wants for us with the reward God has promised for us.

Moses chose persecution over pleasure.  Hebrews 11:25 "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin".  What passing pleasure of sin do we avoid?  Are we saying no to the "fun" of a girl's night involving alcohol?  As we saying no to the school dances where lewd behavior is happening?  Are we saying no to the popular way of dressing?  Are we avoiding the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 10:19-21 and working towards the fruits of the Spirit?  Daniel is another faithful person of the Bible and when faced with some tough choices at a young age, he "purposed in his heart" not to defile himself.  (Daniel 1:8) 

Are we suffering because of these choices?  Are we being persecuted?  If we're not, what does that really say about us?  Matthew 10:22 "and you will be hated by all for My name's sake."  2 Timothy 2:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."  Do we count it as joy to be ridiculed, excluded and hated?  Luke 6:22-23.  Christ suffered for us, and endured hostility from sinners.  We cannot allow our difficulties to discourage us (Hebrews 12:2-3)

Finally, Moses had his eye on the eternal prize.  Hebrews 11:26 "esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward."  Are we looking towards the reward of heaven?  Our reward in heaven is great (Luke 6:23).  We need to be working daily to perfect our faith and keep our faith alive, choosing God daily despite the difficulties and be a living example to others.