Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:26
Moses lived a very unique life to say the least. To begin with, his was a life that almost ended as soon as it began. He was born in a time, not unlike today in many ways, when it was very dangerous to be a baby, for then, as now, the devil was busy trying to destroy the lives of babies before they had a chance to begin living.
The king of Egypt, where Moses’ parents were living, commanded the midwives to kill any baby boys born to the Hebrew women. But, the midwives feared God rather than man and would not comply. Thus, Moses was born and kept alive, but hidden for three months. Finally, no longer able to conceal the child, his mother put him in a little ark and placed him by the river bank where he was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.
Thus, Moses grew up as Pharaoh’s grandson and had at his disposal all of the wealth and power the world could offer. If the value of things can be determined just by looking around you and you could measure those values by how you feel or what you think or what others think, then Moses could have counted himself rich indeed.
Something’s worth cannot just be measured by its current value alone; it must be weighed against what you have to gain or lose by it. When Esau traded his birthright to his twin brother, Jacob, for a bowl of lentil stew, it seemed like a good deal at that moment, for Esau was hungry. But, look at what he lost in the trade. Esau gave up everything just to satisfy his hunger, and what do you suppose happened before another day was done? Esau was hungry again! Now, he not only has any stew but he is also without his birthright forever.
Moses knew he could live in the luxury of Egypt for all of his life, literally living like a king! He could have experienced all of the passing pleasures Egypt had to offer. But, having been brought up on his Hebrew mother’s knee and being taught about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — his God, he chose to be numbered with the people of God.
Look at life and determine the value of things based not on time but on eternity. Look beyond the present to the promise. If you take stock of life just based on a snapshot of now, it might not make sense or seem like it is worth the sacrifice to live for the Lord. If, however, you put your life in perspective based on the promises of God, there will be no doubt that it’s worth it all and even more. The sufferings of this present age cannot even be compared with the glory of the age to come!
Esau could not see beyond his craving for food. He lived life for whatever satisfied his flesh right then. But, he made no preparations for the hereafter! Moses chose to look beyond this world’s passing pleasures to the reward that is invisible because it is promised by God who cannot be seen. In short, it required walking by faith. When you choose the way of the Lord, it will not make sense to those around you who cannot see what cannot be seen; those who walk by sight. But you, keep walking by faith with eyes wide open; look to the reward!
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