Looking Forward to the Reward

In the Bible, Moses is first mentioned in Exodus, Chapter 2. Interestingly, in the 25 verses of this chapter, the life of the instrumental leader is described from his birth until he is forced to flee from Egypt to the wilderness. A lot of ground is covered in just a relatively few sentences.

As a baby he placed in a basket and floated down the Nile to bathing spot of Pharoah's daughter. He is "adopted" and his mother is selected to serve as his nanny. When he reached the age of 40, Moses began to have compassion on his people. He murders a man who is abusing a fellow Hebrew. He hides his body, but he discovered that his deed is known. So, he leaves town and journeys into the wilderness. There he met his wife and became a shepherd.

While we get the general pitcure, the New Testament Scriptures shed more light on the life of Moses. Historically, scholars note a childless Egyptian Queen ruled during the time of Moses. Many believe that Moses was adopted into her family. With this in mind, Hebrews 11:24-26 enlightens us as to the type of person Moses was and the sacrifices he made to follow God.

In Hebrews 11:24-26, notice four aspects of the life of Moses.

I. HIS CHOICE (v.24): By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
II. HIS CHARACTER (v.25): choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
III. HIS COMMITMENT (v.26a) esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;
IV. HIS CONFIDENCE (v.26b): for he looked to the reward.

There is a real possiblitiy that Moses was in line to become the King of Egypt. So, Moses sacrificed prestige, pleasure, riches, and respect to follow God. However, he looked forward to eternal rewards. What temporal thing do you need to give up in order to enjoy an eternal reward?