Text: Hebrews 11:24-27
One of the major characters in the Bible is Moses. He was the one who led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He was the one who parted the Red Sea. He was the one who received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. There are many lessons we can learn from Moses. We’ll highlight a few characteristics in this lesson.
A Willing Sufferer (Hebrews 11:24-27)
- Moses had to make a choice – be the son of Pharaoh’s daughter or be one of the Hebrews (slaves); he had been adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 2:5-10); when he grew up, he chose to be numbered among the Hebrews (Exodus 2:11-12)
- In the short term, it was much more pleasant to be Pharaoh’s daughter – could engage in sin, enjoy any pleasure, live in luxury
- Yet he was looking for the lasting reward – had faith that God would deliver His people (cf. Exodus 2:24)
A Reluctant Leader (Exodus 3:10-11)
- When God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, he did not think he could do it (Exodus 3:11)
- He continued to make excuses for why he should not be the one to go – he had to explain who sent him (Exodus 3:13-14); he didn’t know if the people would believe him (Exodus 4:1-5); he lacked eloquence (Exodus 4:10-12, 14-16); he wanted anyone to go but him (Exodus 4:13)
- Yet in the end, he led the people out – also encouraged the people when the Egyptian army pursued (Exodus 14:10-14)
A Long-Suffering Wanderer (Numbers 33:5-49)
- Had to endure the people’s constant complaining – started immediately after their deliverance (Exodus 15:22-24; 16:1-3)
- Wandered in the wilderness because of the people’s lack of faith (Numbers 14:26-35) – and this was after he appealed to God on their behalf (Numbers 14:11-12, 19-20, 23)
- Never reached the promised land – saw it from Mount Nebo before he died (Deuteronomy 34:1-6); could not enter because of a sin he committed in frustration (Numbers 20:2-5, 8-12); while he could be forgiven, there were still consequences to face
Follow Moses’ Example
- Be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ – put away sin (Romans 6:6-7, 11-14); be numbered with God’s people (2 Timothy 2:9-10)
- Lead others out of sin – not that everyone should be in a visible position of leadership/teaching (James 3:1); but we must all teach in some way (1 Peter 3:15); our example can lead others to Christ (1 Peter 2:12)
- Faithfully press on to the reward – the reward God has promised will be realized in the end (1 Peter 1:3-5); do not give up along the way (1 Peter 1:6-7; Hebrews 10:35-39), even when we sin or feel discouraged at times
Conclusion
- Who was Moses? – a willing sufferer, reluctant leader, and long-suffering wanderer; all of these related to the specific circumstances in his life; but the trait that was behind all of this was that he was a faithful servant to the Lord (Josuha 1:2)
- This is the primary lesson for us – be faithful to the Lord in whatever circumstances we find ourselves; as we endure hardships, lead others to the truth, and journey through life, let us do this by faith
