Hebrews 11:23-31

“Moses: By Faith”

Hebrews 11:23-31

²³ By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. ²⁴ By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, ²⁵ choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶ He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. ²⁷ By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

²⁹ By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. ³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. ³¹ By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

– Heb. 11:23-31

The story of Moses begins with the faith of his parents, who refused to see their child murdered. They hid him from the mass extermination, protected him and apparently had opportunity to instill in him, faith in the living God and affection for His people.

So, though Moses was handed a life of luxury, celebrity status and fleshly gratification, he said “No. This is not for me. I will be with my people and refuse the passing pleasures of sin.” “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”

The faith of Moses set in motion the exit of the people of Israel from Egypt, under the care and providential hand of God. Then, by that same faith, the walls of Jericho came down.

Parents, protect your children and do all you can to instill in them, faith in the living God. Children, appreciate the devotion of parents. And, to all of us – we should recognize that sin offers only a temporary thrill, that is soon gone. Christians have a relationship with God through Christ, and faith is the assurance of things hoped for.