Uncompromising faith
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. Hebrews 11:24-26 NLT
Since Moses was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter in Pharaoh’s palace, he belonged to a royalty. Yet, he made a choice not to be identified with Pharaoh’s family. “It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Hebrews 11:24). He was willing to leave the life of prestige, fame, and wealth all because he wanted to be identified with the Israelites. It takes great faith to make such a decision. His uncompromising faith did not create in him a delusion of living an aristocratic life. His action was an insult to Pharaoh and his daughter. True faith is willing to experience discord for it will not compromise godly principles. By his act of will, Moses chose to be mistreated because of his faith rather than “enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). It is easy to be so caught up by the pleasures from our culture and environment for they are extensive but they do not last for they are temporary. They are only pleasurable for a moment. No matter how much you think that you are satisfying your appetite from worldly pleasures, you will still find yourself craving for more. So, Moses instead of enjoying a life of pleasure in Egypt, he “chose to share the oppression of God’s people.” To him, life of meaning will be found in being at the center of the will of God. The writer of Hebrews mentioned this story of Moses so that we who will follow God and live for His glory must desire to choose a life of faith that will not compromise with worldly pleasures. Life with Christ provides an endless pleasure. “It was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward” (Hebrews 11:26). True faith is founded upon the assurance of the things hoped for and the things to come (see Hebrews 11:1). Moses was sure that the reward God is preparing for Him is much greater than what the world offers. Our identification with Christ will result to struggles caused by sufferings and persecutions. Yet, God will provide peace and strength for “what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later” (Romans 8:18).
Blessings,
