0186. Moses Chose

Moses Chose

"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Heb_11:25).

This verse clearly reveals what Moses had before him. The balances were before him. He carefully weighed his decision. On one side, he placed "affliction with the children of God;" on the other side, he placed "the pleasures of sin for a season;" then he chose the former.

Let no one imagine that this was an easy matter for Moses, a mere bagatelle. The pleasures of sin were just as sweet in that day as they are in this; if anything, the sufferings would be more severe. Yet, Moses matured, and thoughtful, chose the lonely place of suffering. He took his stand with the children of God.

Illustration: It is said that Lady Ann Erskine was once listening to Roland Hill. By and by the preacher espied her and cried something like this: "I have a bid upon the soul of Lady Ann Erskine. Who bids? Satan bids. What does he offer? He offers wealth, and honor, and glory, and the pleasures of this world, all for a season. Who bids? Christ bids. And what does He offer? Suffering affliction with the children of God, and life for evermore. Which will you take, my Lady?" It is said that immediately, the proud woman of the world walked to the front, and kneeling sought salvation through the Blood of Christ.

How many are there today who are halting between two opinions? We are saved by receiving Christ, but there are many things which must be given up to follow Christ; there is also much to be gained.

Illustration: We once heard F. B. Meyer tell of an incident at Keswick. A number of ministers, as they sat together, were discussing what they had given up to follow Christ. Mr. Meyer said, that it came his turn, he rather enlarged upon the price he had paid to go all the way with God. Near to Mr. Meyer sat an aged minister. When his turn came to speak, he said: "My brethren, I have long since forgotten what it cost me to follow the Lord fully. I am lost in the joy of the riches of His grace. It is not what I gave up, it is what I have received that fills my soul with gladness."

On one occasion Joshua stood before the people and said: "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; whether the God which your fathers served, that were on the other side of the flood; or, the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Each one of you must decide this great question. You must choose between the world and God. "No man can serve two masters."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR