0187. Moses Esteemed

Moses Esteemed

"Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt" (Heb_11:26, f. c.).

This gives us further light as to why Moses "refused," and as to why he "chose." We begin to understand the reason for his decision. It was the result of an "accounting." Let us try to see what Moses saw; let us endeavor to go back to the days of the Pharaohs, and look at things that Moses must have seen.

1. He saw the "treasures in Egypt." We must not think of Egypt, as it is today. No one now, would think of it as a country worth the while. A native prince has not sat upon the Egyptian throne for many centuries. It is an impoverished country, an almost forsaken land.

But Egypt, in the days of Moses, was the granary of the world. It was a land of large cities; cities which surpassed in splendor and wealth the other cities of the world. Egypt was the land of temples, its catacombs and its pyramids were the marvels of the earth. It had tremendous libraries and well-manned schools.

All of this Moses weighed, in his decision. These things were his. He was one of Egypt’s greatest men. Skilled in all their wisdom, a leader in her armies, and very near the throne.

2. The reproach of Christ. The children of Israel had come down to Egypt in the days of Joseph, under the invitation of Pharaoh, the king who preceded the Pharaoh whom Moses knew. During the life of the earlier Pharaoh, they had greatly prospered. After Pharaoh’s death, however, when the children of Israel began to multiply, and when they were exerting more and more influence among the Egyptians, the new king became alarmed. He was afraid that they would become so strong that they would menace the security of the throne itself.

An era of terrific persecution followed. A persecution that waged hotter and hotter as the days went by.

It was during this persecution that Moses was born. Because of the order that all the male children born to the Israelites, should be killed, when Moses was born he was hid three months of his parents.

When Moses had reached his fortieth year, he saw the reproach of his people and heard their cry. He carefully, counted the cost and fully determined to take his place by their side, seeking to deliver them.

From the palace of the king to the reproaches of Christ was quite a step, and yet he gladly made the sacrifice.

Illustration: The story is told of how Richard Fuller, a brilliant young lawyer, living at Beaufort, South Carolina, dropped into a series of special revival services. As the minister preached upon the Cross, young Fuller was deeply moved. Finally when the invitation was given, Fuller startled the audience by walking to the front and grasping the hand of the preacher and receiving Jesus Christ, as his Saviour.

A few days later the people of Beaufort were more startled than ever. Richard Fuller announced before the whole audience, that he had locked the door of his office and stepped forth forever, determining to give his life to God as a minister of the Gospel.

Senator William C. Preston heard of Fuller’s decision and came down to Beaufort to dissuade him. The senator told the young lawyer of the many political plumbs which would surely be his if he stuck to his office and of the promised splendor of his career as a lawyer.

In response Fuller said that he had seen the agonies of the Cross, and had fully realized that he was living for the things that perish. He could not but give himself henceforth to the service of the Lord. Richard Fuller became one of the greatest preachers of his day and his life proved a blessing unto many thousands.

Illustration: Saul of Tarsus was a young man, held in highest esteem among the Pharisees; taught at the feet of Gamaliel; of the stock of Israel; of the tribe of Benjamin; an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the Law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal persecuting the Church; touching the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless.

But Saul, when he had come to years, refused all this. He accounted it all but loss for Christ. He cast it forth as garbage.

And what did Paul have in mind when he gave up his wonderful career and the prestige and promise of great earthly glory? He gave it up that he might win Christ, and know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering being made conformable unto His death; that he might attain unto the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Let those who think and who can weigh values, decide for themselves what they will do. What is their accounting? It is God or mammon, which?

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR