Faith and Humility

Scripture: By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. Hebrews 11:24-26

Observation: As the author discusses the faith of the patriarchs and prophets and judges, he ascribes to Moses a direct connection to the Christ. While he did not know the name of Jesus, he understood that his disgrace - hard labors, outcast as a shepherd, life in the desert, mocking before Pharaoh, questioning by Jewish elders - was meaningless if he was faithful to the promise of God. God promised delivery from slavery, which is the promise of the Christ, and Moses was willing to give up a soft life in order to pursue that promise.

Application: What parts of my life would I give up for the promise of Jesus? As I have reflected before, the hardest for me to consider are my home and family - my family is my great love on earth, and my home is also their home where they receive safety and comfort. I do believe I would give up everything else for Jesus. I would give up my job, my position, my health, my comfort. I fear being asked for such sacrifices, but I regard Jesus as a greater value.

This needs to begin with humility. Moses humbled himself before God, and thus in the earthly eyes of other Jews, Pharaoh, and the world's perspective of societal rank. In so doing, he became eternally famous and eternally blessed. The same was true for the entire litany of people listed in Hebrews - from Abel to Gideon. They all first humbled themselves both to God and within the context of the world's view of people.

Prayer: Lord, I do humble myself to you today. I am happy doing your work wherever you place me, be it in my current position or elsewhere. I will lower myself, soften myself, and be reserved as it serves you. May I be your servant, following your commands. Amen.