“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward,” Hebrews 11:26.
SANCTIFIED LOGIC!
We have a further look into the mind and heart of Moses as he makes his choice of whom he will serve. The choice he made in verse 25 is explained here in verse 26. That in turn is explained by the verse 23 where we have the faith of his parents set down. What blessings came to the family, not just Moses, as a result of their faith. Exodus tells us of how the very favour of Pharaoh’s house was shown to them, not just Moses. The money paid to his mother would have benefitted the whole family. It pays to serve and honour the Lord.
While many would doubtless have counted Moses’ decision as an act of madness, in the light of this verse we see that he, like Mary, “hath chosen that good part”, Luke 10:42.
1. The word ‘esteeming’ carries the meaning of ‘going before, leading’. Moses was led by a right evaluation of the riches of Egypt’s treasures and the reproach of Christ.
His decision differed from that made by most people. “Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God,” John 12:42-43. What folly this is girls and boys!
2. Every Christian should follow Moses’ example. “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come,” Hebrews 13:12-14.
We are to see the things of the world in the light of things to come. ‘Here’, nothing is lasting. We must ever seek first “the kingdom of God.” Earth’s riches do not last!
“Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you,” James 5:1-3.
3. There is a reward for bearing reproach for Christ. “Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed,” 1 Samuel 2:30. How we regard the Saviour here will decide how He will act towards us in time and eternity.
Moses by faith saw that bearing reproach for Christ would reward him to a very much greater degree than would the perishing treasures of Egypt.
He was following the mind of God as set forth by the Saviour. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” Matthew 6:19-21.
Our attitude toward earth’s riches reveals the disposition of our hearts!