Goodbye, World, Goodbye
Today’s Verse:
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. ~Hebrews 11:27
One of the great heroes of faith is Moses. Moses represents the law that was given to Israel. From a secular viewpoint, Moses was well-educated, trained, and positioned for royal success. However, God had far superior plans for him. Moses is included in Hebrews 11 because he had a faith that was pleasing to God. "By faith he forsook Egypt." Moses said, “Goodbye, world, goodbye.”
We see what he left.
Moses forsook Egypt. Egypt is a picture of the world. We are commanded to love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. The world is embodied through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Moses said goodbye to the temporal security of riches, fame, position, and power. Instead, he chose to live for God and walk by faith. Moses became a man who moved the world. Someone has said that the men who have moved this world were men whom the world could not move. Moses walked away from the sin and indulgence of the world to the higher purpose of serving the true and living God.
We see Whom he loved.
Moses did not fear the wrath of the king. When he decided to follow the Lord, he became the enemy of Pharaoh. He incurred Pharaoh's wrath. However, Moses was fearless because he loved the Lord. He was very sure and settled that God was his Savior and that his calling to be God’s man to Israel was a superior calling to being a pharaoh or a man of the world. Moses loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and body. He did not fear the king of Egypt because he served the King of ages, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Never forget that you serve the God Who is Creator, Master, Lord, and all-powerful.
We see how he lasted.
Moses endured. Here is a man who went back to Pharaoh ten times to appeal for the release of Israel. He walked in the desert wilderness for forty years with a sin-hardened and rebellious people. He had to deal with sin, setbacks, suffering, and loneliness. Yet, he endured. He did not faint. He did not grow weary in well doing. The key to finishing the race well is by enduring. We must endure fatigue, fighting, fear, frustration, filth, and failure. Endurance is accomplished by remaining steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. The temptations to quit were there, but he endured.
We see how he looked.
Moses could say goodbye to the world and endure because he kept his eyes on the Lord. He saw Him Who is invisible. The eye of faith enabled him to keep his eyes on the Lord. He kept his eyes on the Lord’s sovereignty: that is, that He is in control. He kept his eyes on the Lord’s sympathy. He experienced the Lord’s mercies, which are new every day. He kept his eyes on the Lord’s salvation. The Passover and the Red Sea crossing powerfully reminded Moses that he was the Lord’s purchased possession. He kept his eyes on the Lord’s strategy. Moses was to lead the people so that they could ultimately inherit the land of promise. We must keep our eyes on the Lord. The world is no friend of God. Look to Moses' example of faith, and endure as seeing Him Who is invisible.
Have a fortified God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 59-63
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