A Faith That Chooses To Stand and Suffer
Hebrews 11:23-27
Here is an amazing story of parents and a child that has a great influence on the history of a nation. By their faith we see some practical truths in what happens when someone chooses to stand and suffer for the cause of our Lord.
See: Hebrews 11:23-29
Also: Exodus 2:1-2
Moses’ parent Amram and Jochebed saw that God had given them proper or goodly child that had potentials to be used by God.
Point: I believe every child has a God given purpose
They risked their lives and stood against the commandment of Pharaoh to kill every male child born. Ref. Exodus 2:2 They hid him for three months
When they could not hide him any longer they put his life into the hands of the LORD
See: Exodus 2:3-6
He is raised by his parents but when weaned he becomes the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Vs.10
As Moses grew up he had an opportunity to become the next Pharaoh over all of Egypt and enjoy the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but something happened.
See: Vs.11-15 It is at this point in Moses’ life he has to decide the riches of Egypt or the sufferings of the Israelites. He flees Egypt because of the killing of an Egyptian.
Point: I believe his parents played a very important role in the decision he makes here. Their faith no doubt created an atmosphere of faith for him in the home.
I believe in was instilled in him that he was an Israelite a child of God and not Pharaoh’s daughter.
Mention: Vs.16-19 The testimony of the seven daughters of the priest of Midian (Jethro) declared him to be an Egyptian.
See: Vs.22 I have been a stranger in a strange land. It is obvious by the very interpretation of the child’s name Moses speaks concerning where he is, but this is also true about who had become while in Egypt.
Three things we are told in Vs.24-29
1. What Faith Refuses
Hebrews 11:24-25 He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter choosing rather to suffer the affliction with the people of God…
Point: We have a choice to make in this life concerning the riches of this world or the riches in Christ Jesus.
I have said many times that Egypt is a picture of the world and as Christians we are told we are strangers and sojourners here.
Point: The refusal and forsaking here by Moses is not just pertaining to the sins, but also the desire of wealth, prestige and power.
Those 40 years herding sheep on the backside of the dessert had to be a humbling experience for Moses. This is equivalent to Warren Buffet becoming a cow rustler.
Moses decision reminds me of the choice Abraham makes by refusing wealth from the king of Sodom in Genesis chapter 14 and then God spoke to Abraham and said “I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward” Genesis 15:1
2. The Reproach Of Faith
Moses’ choice was one of “Choosing to Suffer”
See: 1 Peter 3:17 It is better to suffer for what’s right then to suffer for wrong doing.
See: 1 Peter 4:12-13
See: Hebrew 11:26a Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.
Romans 8:18 for I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory which be revealed in us.
3. The Reward Of Faith
Hebrews 11:26a – 29 for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward…
Listen: Not only are their eternal rewards that awaits the faithful, but also there are the rewards of faith we see here.
• God rewarded the faith of Amram and Jochebed Moses’ parents
• Moses was rewarded with the deliverance of his people. Ref. Hebrews 11:28 The Passover
• He witness the destruction of their enemies Vs.29 The Rea Sea experience
Not only did God bring them out by God He also led them through.
Someone said Moses chose the imperishable, saw the invisible and did the impossible
Question: Are you willing to “Stand and Suffer for your faith?”
