January 25 - Faith Rejects the World's Plenty

Scripture

• Hebrews 11:26 Considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.

Observation

Living in Pharaoh's palace, Moses had everything material he could have wanted. He had more than enough food, possessions, and money. Discoveries such as the tomb of King Tutankhamen, who lived only a hundred or so years after Moses, have shown us how vastly rich Egypt was at its peak. Moses had access to a great deal of wealth, and likely had much in his own possession. He had all the things the world holds dear. He must have been strongly tempted to hold on to them; but he did not.

Considering involves careful thought, not quick decision. Moses thought through his decision, weighing the pros and cons. He weighed what Egypt had to offer against what God offered. When he reached a conclusion it was well-founded and certain. God's offer was infinitely superior in every way. In the eyes of the world no reproach (being ridiculed and persecuted) would be worth sacrificing riches for. Yet Moses believed that the worst he could endure for Christ would be more valuable than the best of the world.

Moses suffered reproach for the sake of Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, because he identified with Messiah's people and purpose. Every believer since Adam's fall has been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, no matter in what age he has lived. It is also true, therefore, that any believer at any time who has suffered for God's sake has suffered for Christ's sake.

God's reward is always greater than the world's.

• "God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

He supplies according to His riches, not just out of them. A millionaire who gives ten dollars to help someone in need is giving out of his riches but not according to them. If he gave a hundred thousand dollars, however, he would be giving according to his riches. Moses surely saw the reward of a blessed life, but the emphasis is best seen as being on the eternal reward.

• "Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked" (Ps. 37:16).

If we work hard and honestly and to God's glory, and become wealthy in the process, fine. But if we set our minds on getting rich, we have the wrong motivation. If along the way God happens to make us rich, wonderful. If in His wisdom he keeps us poor, also wonderful. It should make us no difference, as long as we are in His will. It made no difference to Moses. For forty years he enjoyed the riches of Egypt. For the rest of his life, he forsook them, because they interfered with his obedience to God and would have prevented his receiving immeasurably greater riches when it came time for eternal rewards.

Understanding

What is God saying to me?

Remembering the words of an old hymn I used to sing as a kid. It was written by a Swedish royal named Prince Oscar who relinquished his title to marry a woman who had influenced his belief in God. After his abdication he gave his energy to serving Christ. Here are the words of the hymn…

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;I’d rather be His than have riches untold;I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:Than to be the king of a vast domainOr be held in sin’s dread sway;I’d rather have Jesus than anythingThis world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead

Life Application

What will I do about it?

God I will pursue you more than the things of this world. Help me to keep my eyes on you because as I stay focused on you the things of this world begin to dim in comparison to your glory.

-Pastor Gary

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Supplemental Reading: Psalm 147