068. HEB 11:24-26. CHOICE OF MOSES

Heb_11:24-26. Choice of Moses

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God," &c.’97Heb_11:24-26.

In this passage we have presented to us a very astonishing instance of self-denial and devotedness to God. It is, indeed, a striking evidence of the power of faith and is well calculated both to instruct and profit the contemplative mind. Notice, I. His Renunciation. II. His Choice. And, III. The Principle by which he was influenced. Notice,

I. His Renunciation.

His renunciation respected those things which have ever been held in the highest estimation by the world. He renounced.

1. The honors of a prince.

"Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter." Few things more attractive than honor. What sacrifices men make to obtain it! Ease, time, health and even life, are daily hazarded for it. Princely honor is the summit of human ambition. Yet the dignities of an Egyptian prince had no attractions for Moses, and he freely and cheerfully laid them aside. He renounced,

2. The pleasures of a court.

And courts generally abound with them. Whatever can gratify the senses, or pander the imagination, may be expected here. Eastern palaces and courts are generally scenes of all that is luxurious, and gross and dissipated. Hence, they are styled in the text, "pleasures of sin." They originate in sin, are fostered by sin, and invariably tend to the increase of sin. He renounced,

3. The riches of a kingdom.

And that kingdom was Egypt; so greatly famed for its grandeur and treasures, and which for many ages was the most distinguished nation on earth. Yet the treasures of this wealthy empire found no place in the heart of Moses. And mark, in reference to his renouncement of the honors, and pleasures, and riches of Egypt that it took place,

(1) At the period of maturity. When he was quite capable of judging and rightly estimating them. It was after he had spent a considerable portion of his time in the midst of them. When they might have been expected to have presented the greatest attraction. And he renounced them,

(2) When he was quite capable of enjoying them. Not in the decline of life when he had outlived them; but at the period of manhood, when he had come to years; when sense, and nature, and carnal reason, would all have concurred in his adoption of them. Notice then.

II. His Choice.

He made choice,

1. Of the people of God as his associates.

These he preferred to princes, and rulers, and statesmen’97these, to the great, and noble, and rich of Pharaoh’s court. His choice may appear absurd to the eye of sense, yet it commends itself to the eye of faith. God’s people,

(1) Are the wisest companions. Though not in literary attainments, yet in true wisdom, in saving knowledge. The wisdom they possess is heavenly in its origin, saving in its influence, and invaluable in its price; Job_28:12-19.

(2) They are the most honorable companions. They are all the children of a king.

(3) The most safe companions; Pro_3:23, &c.

(4) They are the most useful companions. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise." Their conversation, their example, their influence, will prove beneficial to us. And observe, also,

(5) They shall be our companions forever. He made choice,

2. Of the afflictions of God’s people.

Though they were groaning beneath a despot’s cruel yoke, yet he preferred being one of them, and suffering with them, to all the splendid advantages of the Egyptian court. God’s people are an afflicted people, and it is through much tribulation that they enter the kingdom. He made choice,

3. Of the reproach of Christ.

The people of God, as the seed of Abraham, were the expectants of the Messiah; and they were the worshippers of the true God, and, therefore, they were despised on account of their religion. Their expectation of Christ exposed them to constant reproach. Thus we perceive, he chose for his companions slaves instead of princes; and for his portion, afflictions and reproach, in preference to the pleasures and riches of Egypt. Notice,

III. The Principle by which he was influenced.

"By faith" he did all this. By credence to the promise of God. By believing implicitly what had been revealed to the patriarchs. By this he learned,

1. Rightly to estimate the things of this world.

He was aware, with respect to honors pleasures, and riches, that they were.

(1) Unsatisfying in their nature.

(2) Uncertain in their possession.

(3) Evanescent in their duration; and often,

(4) Evil in their influence. By faith, therefore, he esteemed them not. Then his faith had particular reference,

2. To the recompense of reward’97Which God has so graciously and richly promised to his people. This, though future, was certain’97though spiritual, was real. In its nature suitable’97in its character, great and abundant’97and in its duration, eternal. He preferred the soul to the body’97God to the world’97and eternity to time.

Application

The world is divided into two classes. The votaries of honors, pleasures, and riches; and those who are renouncing these, and, by faith, having respect to a future recompense of reward. The possession of love to both is impossible. Let the preciousness of the soul, the riches of heaven, and the joys of eternity decide your choice.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS