Moses’ greatness came through his faith

Of all the people in the Old Testament, Moses was the greatest.

Moses was certainly Israel’s greatest lawgiver. He went to the top of Mount Sinai and received the Mosaic Law. He was also Israel’s greatest prophet. Deuteronomy 34:10 says, “There has not arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”

He was Israel’s greatest historian. He wrote the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. He was considered Israel’s greatest saint. Numbers 12:31 says of Moses that “he was very humble, more humble than any man who was on the face of the earth.”

Moses was Israel’s greatest deliverer. He led millions of people out of slavery to the Promised Land.

What made Moses so great? Was he greatly gifted? Was it his great learning or his great education? The answer is found in Hebrews 11. Moses was greatly used by God because he had great faith in a great God. His great faith enabled him to stand before Pharaoh and overcome the stranglehold that he had upon God’s ancient people. As Moses had great faith, so you and I must have great faith. Hebrews 11:23-26 describes the faith of Moses under four great headings.

The first heading is the roots of his faith in verse 23. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child.”

Moses had believing parents with strong faith in God. He was born during a very difficult time. Pharaoh commanded all Jewish male children to be thrown into the Nile River. His parents risked their own lives and hid him three months. God can raise up the most godly children during even the most ungodly of times. During the darkest hours, God has always raised up the greatest leaders and the greatest Christians. God honors the faith of parents who refuse to cave in to the pressure of worldly thinking.

His parents, Amram and Jochebed, sank his roots down deep into the Word of God. They put something in the life of Moses that the University of Egypt couldn’t take out. True faith is always in response to the Word of God.

The second heading is the refusal of his faith in verses 24-25. Verse 24 reads, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.”

Moses reached a crisis point in his life where he had to find his identity either in the world or with the people of God. For Moses, this meant refusing the palace of pharaoh. He said no to the prestige of royalty. He turned his back on fame and fortune.

Why did Moses do this? Why did he identify with slaves instead of the greatest dynasty of his day? The key is the fourth to the last word in verse 25. He realized it was all “passing.” One person said, “One life will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” He chose a greater pleasure. He chose the pleasure of serving God. He desired the pleasure of God’s approval.

The third main heading is the reproach of his faith in verse 26: “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.”

He focused upon the coming of the Messiah. He knew that one day the Christ would come. His name is Jesus. He was born in Nazareth 1,500 years after the life of Moses. Moses was willing to suffer reproach for Christ. The word reproach means derision, shame, dishonor, degradation, scandal. True faith always pays a high price. He was willing to suffer for Jesus.

Finally, the fourth main heading is the reward of his faith in verse 26. “For he looked to the reward.” To the degree you suffer reproach for Christ, to that same degree your father in heaven will reward you. Moses had a date circled on his calendar. He focused upon that day when he would stand before God.

Moses wasn’t looking for just any reward. He was looking for THE reward. He knew he had an appointment with God. He had a divine appointment on that final day. Moses desired the reward and the pleasure and the approbation that will come from the one who suffered on the cross for us — the Lord Jesus Christ.

True saving faith sinks roots down deep into God’s Word. Strong faith understands how to say no to the world. Great faith will always pay a great price.

Finally, true faith is always rewarded. Won’t you today decide to follow Jesus?

Ethan Hansen is pastor for Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake. His e-mail is ethanchansen@gci.net.