November 26, 2006
THE FAITH THAT TRIUMPHS
Hebrews 11:23-28

   "By faith Moses when he was born was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 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: because he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest He that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." "By faith" is said of Moses four times, and for Abraham only three. Even his "lines of text" exceed those of Abraham. "Few they are who are "counted worthy of more glory than Moses..." (Heb. 3:3 11:23-28).
   Moses and Joseph had in common spending many years in Egypt. They both had intimate contact with Pharaoh, although not the same man. But their differences make great contrast. Joseph rose from the prison to the throne of Egypt, a position he filled until death. Moses was reared in luxury and was "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds" (Acts 7:22). Yet instead of using all this and the throne of Egypt for the welfare of his oppressed people, "he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter." Why did he not jump at the chance "providence" had provided? Faith did not see it that way! Unlike Joseph he "forsook Egypt" and its riches for the desert land of Midian.
   Why the difference? It could only be that, by faith they saw their rolls relating differently to God's promise to Abraham. Joseph was the first generation of Jacob's seed who came to Egypt. He knew Israel would be in bondage there long after he died. Moses knew he was of the fourth generation, and that the 400 years was nearing the end. Moses' father was of the third generation and, by faith saw something special in baby Moses. He was more than a "proper child." Stephen said baby Moses was "exceeding fair," (margin "fair to God")! Their faith saw something invisible to sight. Little wonder that Moses, by faith refused...choosing rather to suffer affliction...esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches...forsook Egypt..because he had respect to the recompense of the reward."

Ivan L. Burgener