In “Faith's Hall of Fame” it is written, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:24-27).
The Biblical record of this decision is rather brief. Moses saw an Egyptian (perhaps a taskmaster) beating a Hebrew (perhaps on the verge of murdering him) and Moses intervened. The meekest man in all the earth killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. He knew the stakes. He looked both ways before he engaged in the fight. But in that moment, whether his actions were discovered or not, Moses chose affliction with the people of God over the comfort of Pharaoh’s household. He chose the reproach of Christ over the treasures of Egypt. He chose to kill the would-be murderer to save the life of an innocent Hebrew.
The New Testament says that Moses didn't fear the wrath of the king. Exodus informs that Moses “feared and said, ‘Surely this thing is known!” Pharaoh sentenced Moses to death and Moses “fled from the face of Pharaoh” (Exodus 2:14-15). There are different types of fear. There is fear that paralyzes us and keeps us from doing the good thing that need to do. There is fear that is natural, created in people for their protection but that fear can also be overcome with bravery and courage to do what is right.
In the moment, Moses didn’t have a lot of time to think about what he would do. He had a choice. He did the right thing. When we are faced with choices, it’s not cowardly of us to consider the ramifications of our decisions. It seems that Moses did. However, we can make up our minds now, no matter what, we will simply do the right thing, regardless. So that, in the moment, even if we aren’t given much time to consider we tell the truth, take a stand, turn away from temptation, defend the helpless, help the weak, turn away from the gossip, shut our mouth. Choose Jesus.
NOTE: In recent years hardcopy church bulletins have become a rarity. Due to postal increases, or whatever, congregations elected to terminate sending out bulletins and opted for other ways to communicate with members. One of the few bulletins I still receive comes from the church in Trenton, TN. Brent Smith is the evangelist. Sometimes, rather than writing an article myself, I like to use his articles. He is sound in the faith, conservative without being radical, he is keen in observing human nature and excellent in applying the Scriptures to our lives. Brother Smith will always give you something to challenge your thinking. This article is an excellent way to kick off 2024! – Dennis Gulledge.