By Pastor Wendall Ward
Hall of Faith
Hebrews 11:24-27 is a testament to the enduring faith of Moses, a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative. This Scripture highlights the courage, conviction, and vision that characterized Moses’ life and decisions. Appearing in the “Hall of Faith” chapter these verses invite us to reflect on the meaning of persevering faith. Through them we can examine the cost of discipleship. And study the steadfast hope that looks beyond earthly treasures to our eternal reward.
The Context of Hebrews 11
Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame.” It examines the lives of men and women in the Old Testament who embodied persevering faith. The author of Hebrews seeks to encourage early Christians, many of whom were facing persecution and hardship. By recounting the stories of their spiritual ancestors, the writer offers reassurance. And at the same time challenges us to live by faith, despite adversity.
Therefore, the inclusion of Moses in this chapter is significant. Born into a Hebrew family during a time of brutal oppression in Egypt, Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised among royalty. Yet, as he matured, he made a conscious and costly decision. He chose to identify with the people of God, the Israelites. Refusing to cling to his privileged position in Pharaoh’s court.
Persevering Faith Refuses the World’s Identity
V24… “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.”
This act of refusal is not merely a rejection of a title. It is Moses renouncing all that Egyptian royalty entailed: wealth, security, power, and influence. Moses could have lived a life of ease and privilege, yet he intentionally set aside that identity. Faith, in this sense, is not passive belief. Instead it is an active choice—a willingness to forgo comfort for a higher calling.
Persevering Faith Chooses Suffering Over Sinful Pleasures
V25…“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.”
Moses’ faith led him to align himself with the oppressed rather than the oppressor. He chose solidarity with the suffering people of Israel over the fleeting and superficial pleasures of Pharaoh’s palace. The text stresses that the pleasures of sin are temporary, while the rewards of obedience and faithfulness endure. Moses’ decision models the principle of delayed gratification. It is a willingness to endure hardship now for the sake of a greater good.
Persevering Faith Values Disgrace for Christ Over Treasures
V26… “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Though Moses lived centuries before Christ, the author of Hebrews sees a connection between Moses’ suffering and the redemptive work of Christ. To bear disgrace on behalf of God’s people is, in a sense, to participate in the sufferings of Christ. Moses preferred spiritual wealth to material prosperity. His eyes were fixed on a reward that transcended the immediate and visible—he looked forward to God’s ultimate promise.
Persevering Faith is Rooted in a Real Encounter with Jesus
V27… “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”
Moses’ departure from Egypt—both at the time of his exile and during the eventual Exodus—was an act of boldness. He faced one of the most powerful rulers of the ancient world. And yet he was not deterred by the king’s wrath. The source of this courage was his vision of “him who is invisible.” Moses’ faith was rooted in a revelation of and relationship with the unseen God. His perseverance was not mere stubbornness, but a steadfast reliance on the promises and presence of God Almighty.
Conclusion
In Hebrews 11:24-27, Moses emerges as a model of persevering faith. An example who made difficult choices, endured scorn, and trusted in God for deliverance and reward. His story invites us to examine our own priorities and to walk by faith, not by sight. We can be assured that God honors those whose steadfast hope is rooted in Christ. And our inheritance is the promised eternal reward greater than any earthly treasure.