Read Hebrews 11:20-28. What did these men of faith do? How are their actions related to hope and to things not seen?
Moses is the second major example in this chapter of faith. The life of Moses is introduced and concluded by two actions of defiance to the king. His parents hid Moses when he was born, because “they were not afraid of the king’s edict” (Hebrews 11:23, ESV), and Moses left Egypt, “not being afraid of the anger of the king” (Hebrews 11:27, ESV).
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The most significant action of Moses was, however, that he “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Hebrews 11:24). The reference to Moses’ adoptive mother as “Pharaoh’s daughter” suggests that he was slated to be the next Pharaoh. Moses, however, was willing to leave behind the prospect of becoming the ruler of the most powerful nation at that time and to become, instead, the leader of newly freed slaves-refugees, actually.
Compare Hebrews 11:24-27 and Hebrews 10:32-35. What were the similarities between the situation of the original recipients of Hebrews and the experience of Moses?
The greatness of Moses was that he was able to see beyond the promises of the king of Egypt and look toward the unseen, namely, the promises of God. Hebrews says the key was that Moses’ sight was fixed on “the reward,” not on the riches of Egypt. This reward is the same reward mentioned in Hebrews 10:35, which God has promised to all who believe in Him.
Paul’s words about Moses’ decision must have echoed powerfully in the hearts of his original readers. They had been enduring reproaches and insults because of their faith in Christ. They had also been afflicted and lost their possessions (Hebrews 10:32-34). Some were in prison (Hebrews 13:3). In parallel, Moses chose to be mistreated with God’s people, exchanging the wealth of Egypt for bearing the insults associated with Christ because he believed that the reward of Christ was greater than whatever Egypt could offer.
| What are some of the struggles that you have faced because of your faith? What have you had to give up for it? Why, ultimately, is the reward worth it, even if you can’t see it now? |
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