GOD OFFERS REWARDS

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12). "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets" (Luke 6:23).

Devotion 5 of 12

THE EXAMPLE OF MOSES

Moses is one of the great personalities of the human race. Besides our blessed Lord Himself, he probably suffered more at the hands of religious people than anyone else in history. The Word of God tells us that he was "faithful in all of his house," in spite of the incredible opposition he encountered (Heb. 3:2). Not only that, he was also confronted with exceeding strong temptation. He was offered the opportunity to be "called the son of Pharaoh's daughter," nothing less than a prelude to the throne of Egypt.

Moses had an incredible advantage in Egypt. Although he was not an Egyptian, he achieved a remarkable status in that country. Stephen referred to him in this manner. "And Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds" (Acts 7:22). This description appears to contradict the testimony of Moses himself. "Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue" (Ex 4:10). The power in Moses' words was not oratorical, but Divinely-given power.

Moses had strong academic credentials, being trained under the most prodigious teachers of his time. His education was extensive, and his learning broad. He was being trained to lead the mightiest nation of that time. But when the time came for Moses to be gain advantage from this training, he refused to do so. He made choice–a studied choice–to be identified with a persecuted people.

We are told why Moses refused this position, electing rather to suffer with God's people. "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, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Heb. 11:24-26). The heart and mind of Moses were more occupied with the promises of God than the wisdom and seeming advantages of Egypt.

Even though he lived in spiritually primitive times (compared with blazing light of Gospel glory that can now be enjoyed) "he was looking ahead to the reward" (NRSV). That is what constrained him to "refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter," with whom he had been identified for 30-40 years.

If the promises in the embryo had that impact upon Moses, what will the "exceeding great and precious promises" of this day of salvation have upon those who dare to believe them. Jesus spoke of a reward that "is great in heaven" (Matt 5:12). Paul spoke of every Kingdom laborer receiving "his own reward" (1 Cor 3:8). John wrote of a "full reward" (2 John 8).

O, dear child of God, God "is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb 11:6). I implore you to seek that reward with unparalleled fervency and consistency. You will not be disappointed.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise Your name for the reward You have promised. I confess I want that reward, and now seek grace and strength to procure it. In the name of Jesus, enable me to obtain it.

-- TOMORROW: THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS --