By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

Hebrews 11

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. Hebrews 11:24-28

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 11:20-27, and and I am assisted in my understanding by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series for Hebrews. The commentary outlines two divisions for this text:

I. The Future-Looking Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (11:20-22): Here the text focuses on the faith of Issac, Jacob and Joseph.  All anticipated and trusted in God's plan that a covenant promise would be fulfilled.  With Joseph for example, the commentary shares - based on Genesis 50:24 - that "[f]or Joseph to look forward to the exodus and to communicate that to his sons is almost as shocking as Abraham saying to Sarah, “We are going to have a child.” Nevertheless, Joseph demonstrated remarkable trust in God’s plan."   

II. Moses’s Faith-Fueled Obedience (11:23-27): Here the text examines the faith of Moses and starts by sharing how Moses had a choice: "comfort and privilege in the house of Egypt or persecution and suffering with the people of Israel. Making the former choice is faithlessness; the latter is faithfulness. Moses chose the latter. Rather than laying claim to stature, he aligned himself with Israel because he trusted the Lord and knew Egypt was not his home. Moses recognized the vanity of Pharaoh’s house and the all-surpassing worth of obedience to God." It then pivots to v26 where the text raises how Moses considered the reproach of Jesus of greater wealth than Egypt.  The commentary posits how Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and 2 Corinthians 1:20 point emphasize how we should view Jesus in light of the promise made by Moses that a prophet from among Israel would rise.  The text wraps by looking at v27-28 and how Moses feared God over Pharaoh and how Moses kept the faith by keeping Passover - and this led to the protection of Israel's first born. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and faithfulness - Your promises all come true and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.