Moses: Believing in the Unseen
Read Hebrews 11:20–28. What did these men of faith do? How are
their actions related to hope and to things not seen?
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Moses is the second major example in this chapter of faith. The life
of Moses is introduced and concluded by two actions of defiance to the
king. His parents hid him when he was born, because “they were not
afraid of the king’s edict” (Heb. 11:23, ESV), and Moses left Egypt, “not
being afraid of the anger of the king” (Heb. 11:27, ESV). The most sig-
nificant action of Moses was, however, that he “refused to be called the
son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Heb. 11:24). The reference to Moses’ adop-
tive mother as “Pharaoh’s daughter” suggests that he was slated to be the
next Pharaoh. Moses, however, was willing to leave behind the prospect
of becoming the ruler of the most powerful nation at that time and to
become, instead, the leader of newly freed slaves—refugees, actually.
Compare Hebrews 11:24–27 and Hebrews 10:32–35. What were
the similarities between the situation of the original recipients of
Hebrews and the experience of Moses?
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The greatness of Moses was that he was able to see beyond the promises
of the king of Egypt and look toward the unseen, namely, the promises of
God. Hebrews says the key was that Moses’ sight was fixed on “the reward,”
not on the riches of Egypt. This reward is the same reward mentioned in
Hebrews 10:35, which God has promised to all who believe in Him.
Paul’s words about Moses’ decision must have echoed powerfully in the
hearts of his original readers. They had been enduring reproaches and insults
because of their faith in Christ. They also had been afflicted and lost their
possessions (Heb. 10:32–34). Some were in prison (Heb. 13:3). In paral-
lel sense, Moses chose to be mistreated with God’s people, exchanging the
wealth of Egypt for bearing the insults associated with Christ because he
believed that the reward of Christ was greater than whatever Egypt could
offer.
What are some of the struggles that you have faced because of
your faith? What have you had to give up for it? Why, ultimately,
is the reward worth it, even if you can’t see it now?