Heb 11:24-28 True Identity
Notes
Transcript
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
Man … Son … Brother … Husband … Brazilian … American …
Balding … Tall … Pastor … Father …
What do all of these terms have in common? They are all ways that are my identity. How we spend our time further sheds light on the value we put on these roles or identities we have. Therefore, if I want to be known as a Father, I need to spend my time being a father … but what I do is shaped by what I believe a father needs to be. For some, this has meant primarily being a provider for their family. This may mean that they aren’t home as often, but others may believe that being a father is primarily being present in the lives of your children.
Thus, who we are and what we choose to do not only reveals our identity but also reveals our beliefs and in the end our hearts.
The author of Hebrews understood this and this is what we will see as we study v24-28 today. In these verses, the author of Hebrews focuses on Moses’ identity and how his identity was revealed through five different actions that also reveal his heart.
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
Last time we saw that 400 years had passed between v22 and 23. We studied Moses’ parents' faith in v23 and how we must fear God over man. When we do God will provide a way, He will protect us, He will supply the perseverance that we need, He will give us the sight or perception to see the signs, and we will live like God is big and people are small.
So now we turn to the next verses that focus on Moses himself. There is another time-lapse between verses 23 and 24, instead of 400 years, it is “only” 40 years. But what happened during these 40 years?
I’m getting closer to my 40s, to me it seems like a lot happened in these 40 years. So, I can imagine what may have happened to Moses in this timeframe.
In his first 3-5 years he was raised by his mother and father in the slave hut, trained and taught about the true God and his true identity and purpose in life. Then for the next four decades, his home was with the royalty of his adopted mom.
First, we need to remember that the prayers and instructions from his parents were instrumental for the rest of his life, even though they had little to no influence in his life. I’m confident that his parents were praying for him even though they had no access to the king’s palace.
During those years in the palace, Moses must have been taught many things as the other royals were, he must have learned all the ins and outs of government. It is likely that Pharaoh’s relatives were in charge of many governmental tasks and duties. It is very likely that he learned things that helped him later on when he was leading the Israelites.
I can also imagine that he struggled with his call and his placement. I can remember being in my late 20s struggling with the fact that I was not married yet. Can you imagine Moses’ struggle? Here is a man that by all appearances had “it all” and was in the pharaoh’s home, yet I can imagine that none of his adoptive cousins ever fully welcomed him or viewed him as an equal. Maybe even being jealous of his favorable looks. Perhaps this prevented him from being able to find a wife? At the same time, he couldn’t marry an Israelite because they were slaves. It is also likely that no Israelite woman wanted to marry the guy who was hurting and oppressing their own people. Maybe many Israelites saw Moses as a tax collector, a betrayer, a traitor.
It reminds me of those who have been termed, Third Culture Kids, or TCKs. These are children whose parents come from one culture, but work in another culture – such as missionary kids or military kids. These children often end up developing a type of “third culture” which is a blend of their home or parent’s culture and the culture of the country in which they grow up. They never really fit anywhere. In essence, Moses was one of the first third culture kids we can study. He didn’t fit in Pharaoh’s court and he didn’t fit in the Israelite camp …
I can only imagine that Moses tried to make sense of God’s plan for putting him in the palace. If Pharaoh died, and all of Moses’ adopted uncles, cousins, and half-brothers would also die, then Moses would be the next Pharaoh. As crazy and unlikely of a possibility that this was, I can imagine that he wondered if that is just what God was going to do … perhaps even expected this.
But, throughout all of these 40 years, his true identity as a follower of the true God must have been established and became more and more evident to him that he wanted to follow the Israelites' God more than any other god.
This tension that Moses likely faced, finally resulted in him taking matters into his own hands and killing an Egyptian who was beating an Israelite. Yet his own people rejected him as a prince and a judge over them. Ultimately leading him to flee Egypt, with blood on his hands and nothing to take with him, he left with no wife or kids and no possessions, refused by the Egyptians and the Israelites.
Moses as he followed God became an outcast by his people and by the Egyptians. This time was used by God to help him find his identity. The fact that his identity was rooted not in his achievements, but in God. We see here that the author of Hebrews focuses on Moses’ actions that revealed his true identity … in some ways his third culture.
The first thing that the author points out is that Moses' true identity was first revealed by his refusal in v24
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
1. Moses’ true identity was revealed by a REFUSAL v24
His identification began with a negative choice: “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (v. 24). Moses was known by the royal designation “son of Pharaoh’s daughter”— that was a unique royal title, a more modern equivalent might be Duke of York. His title meant he was part of the royalty of Egypt.
For anyone to be in such a place of prestige and wealth meant you could have anything you wanted. Whatever pleasure and desire could be fulfilled by your whims. Being in a place like that is very dangerous, it can affect what you think of yourself and others, and wealth and possessions can be extremely deceiving.
He had been plucked from the Nile as an infant by Pharaoh’s daughter and was raised with the best that Egypt had to offer. F. B. Meyer describes Moses’ place in Egyptian high society this way: “If he rode forth into the streets, it would be in a princely equipage, amid the cries of ‘Bow the knee.’ If he floated on the Nile, it would be in a golden boat, amid the strains of voluptuous music. If he wished for anything, the almost illimitable wealth of the treasure of Egypt was within his reach.”[1]
Can you put yourself in Moses’ shoes? a Hebrew at heart, but in the external full of Egyptian royal luxury and wealth. He must have struggled with living as a royal in Egypt and his true identity as a follower of the only true God. For him to be true to his identity required much faith, to refuse all the pleasures and comforts that life was for him as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
The only thing Moses knew from the Israelites' slums was the short time he spent being raised by his biological parents. Even though he could see their hardships he knew nothing about the struggle of being an Israelite, he only knew the comfort and ease of being a royal man. His true identity was revealed by his refusal to just stay on the easy, comfortable road and instead choosing the hard, difficult life as a true follower of God. In order to do that, he had to, by faith, have a deep trust in the character and promises of God.
True faith and identity will be revealed in our choices. It doesn’t mean we can’t love our culture, there is so much to love in most cultures. However, we have to refuse to have our identity be rooted in the spirit of the age. Who you are doesn’t depend on where you were born, where you grew up, or where you live. If you want your identity to be that of a true follower of God you must refuse to be a lover of self.
We live in the world but we are not of the world. Jesus’ high priestly prayer for us in John 17:14-17 says:
14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth
We cannot live completely isolated from the world, we need to fight the spiritual battle in our hearts, by refusing the pleasures, the ambitions, the goals of the world. We must refuse to make ourselves “god” by showing love to ourselves, which is the opposite of what our culture and world proclaim or values.
However, our true identity is not only revealed by our refusal of the world's priorities but also there has to be an active choice, just like Moses in v 25:
25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
2. Moses’ true identity was revealed by his CHOICE v25
There is no doubt that the pleasures of sin in Egypt were substantial. But like all physical pleasures, they were only pleasurable for a moment. Every earthly pleasure is only for a short time. I remember the best meal I ever had many years back. It was on my brother-in-law's farm.
It was a leg of lamb slow roasted, whole, in the fire for most of the day. It had been perfectly seasoned, falling off the bone, yet still moist. In fact, all the food was from the farm, including a crisp salad, etc. even the drinks. For many of you, I have once again caused your taste buds to begin to water … you may even be thinking about adding lamb to your menu soon. But, you know after a few hours I was hungry again. No matter how amazing of a meal you have, wait a few hours and you are hungry again. The same is true for most earthly pleasures, sooner rather than later the beautiful outfit or shoes aren’t as in style, or don’t fit quite as well, or are simply worn out.
That is the pull sin has in our hearts. It promises great satisfaction, but in reality, it only satisfies for a moment, and the next pleasure is calling. It is the same attraction that drugs have, a great pleasure and satisfaction, then once you have it you are longing for the next one.
Sin has the same effect on our hearts once we obtain what we desired so badly we are more empty than before. However, we need faith like Moses to be able to even see that the temporary pleasures are not worth pursuing. We not only have to refuse those temporary pleasures, but we also have to choose to be like Moses and “choose to be mistreated along with the people of God.” Moses must have believed that Israel stood in a unique relationship with the living God and had a unique role to play in world history. Moses chose the most exciting path he could possibly take.
Moses' true identity was revealed by the path he chose. The world looked at him as a crazy fool, for believing that life in the palace with all its pleasures, comforts, dignity, and honor was an unsatisfying life. We, likewise, must follow Moses’ wisdom and choose the exhilarating life of following God and being associated with the crazy people (namely you, lol) who follow Jesus.
The world with all its pleasures and promised satisfaction cannot give us an ounce of satisfaction, peace, and joy that God provides us through Christ.
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
The joy of being in God’s presence will never end for those who refuse the pleasures of the world and choose the joy of the Lord.
How could Moses turn his back on Egyptian delights and embrace the affections of the enslaved people? The answer reveals his faith: “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” (v. 26).
26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
3. Moses’ true identity was revealed by his TREASURE v26
Why did Moses choose God? Because “he was looking to the reward” and recognized that God is the greatest treasure. Why should we choose God? Because Jesus is greater wealth, He is the greatest possession and treasure anyone could possess in the universe.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Lk 12:34) If your treasure is the pleasure, the comfort, and the easiness of life in the world then it is foolish to refuse the worldly pleasures and choose Christ. But if your treasure is Christ, that’s where your heart will be also.
If God is “the most important and most valuable reality and the most important and most valuable person in the universe. Then He is more worthy of interest and attention and admiration and enjoyment than all other realities, including the entire universe.”
Then we will treasure Him, but first, we must believe and see that Christ is the greatest gift and treasure that God could have given us.
As far as I know, none of us here have a royal title like Moses. However, when we look at the world, we could say that we are living right now as kings were in the past. The difference is that, for us, any pleasure is more accessible than ever in the history of mankind. You can do whatever you want in the dark and no one will know. But there is nothing that is hidden from God, not even our thoughts.
How can we resist these strong temptations that are everywhere around us? It is by keeping our hearts in Jesus, remembering that Jesus is a greater wealth than all the treasures this world can offer.
Just like Paul says it in Phil 3:8-11
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
Furthermore, Paul said, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). A couple of paragraphs later he said:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Romans 8:28–30)
Similarly, Paul encouraged the Corinthians:
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)
God has given us everything to believe Him and His word. 2 Peter 1:3 says “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence”
It is by faith that we will treasure Christ, refuse the pleasures of the world, and choose to follow and obey God. Furthermore, Moses' true identity was revealed by his separation.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
4. Moses’ true identity was revealed by his SEPARATION v27
Next, the author explains that Moses’ forty-year separation from Egypt in the land of Midian was also a result of faith: “By faith he left Egypt” Here again, the author of Hebrews is making a reference back to v1; “Faith is being… certain of what we do not see”
By faith Moses left the familiar to venture into the unknown. Moses knew Egypt better than any place on earth. As Swindol says? Egypt’s buildings and alleys, obelisks and temples—all the sights and sounds and smells were “home” for him. Yet, because of his true identity “he left Egypt”—likely a reference either to his flight from Egypt after killing an Egyptian (Exod. 2:14–15) or his leading the people out of Egypt in the Exodus (Exod. 12). Either way Moses was able to survive the unbelievable traumatic transition from the familiar to the unknown because he kept his focus on the one true God “who is unseen” (Heb. 11:27). Instead of backing down at the thought of Pharaoh’s wrath, he stood firm, trusting in God.[2]
Moller notes the parallel with Joseph. Moses, like Joseph, knew that Egypt was not his home; it was not the promised land. He left because he believed God’s promises to Israel. Verse 27 is a reminder of a basic biblical principle: we must decide whose anger we fear more—the anger of the world and its governing authorities, or the anger of the Lord, the One who will judge the living and the dead. Moses clearly understands who God is: the Lord, sovereign over all. Thus, Moses did not fear Pharaoh. Instead, he followed God.[3]
If our identity is grounded in the rock, Jesus, and we have refused the pleasures of this world we have chosen the joy of the Lord and Jesus as our treasure. There will be moments and situations that will arise that will require us to be faithful to our identity in Christ, resulting in us needing to be separated from the world.
There will be a day when Jesus will separate us completely from this world. But until then by His strength we will need His wisdom, guidance, and strength to be separated from the world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world. But, we cannot do it in our own strength and ability, it is by faith and by the power that He provides that we will be able to do so.
Separation is hard, but separation is necessary.
(Pause)
Back to our passage, verse 28
28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
5. Moses’ true identity was revealed by his SALVATION v 28
A commentator notes: The instructions were strange, the demands costly (a lamb without blemish) and the ritual unprecedented, but they did precisely as they were told. In simple faith they kept the Passover. They relied on the God who had spoken to them through his servant: “Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did” (Exodus 12:1–3, 28).
It is interesting that it says that Moses by faith kept the Passover. This means that when Moses established the Passover, he not only believed that God was going to save Israel, that generation, but that there was going to be generation after generation who would keep the Passover. He established a ritual that they and their descendants were going to keep year after year, for many generations.
We don’t think much of what God asked of Moses because it is something familiar to us, we know the story, and we know what happened. However, can you place yourself in Moses’ shoes or better yet the people as they heard it for the first time? You can imagine people saying to Moses, “You want us to do what with our only animal? And then do what with the blood? Are you nuts?”
Yet Moses obeyed even this unusual command. The judgment of God came, passed over those who obeyed, and every firstborn Egyptian was killed in a final plague against Egypt. Moses’ obedience to the seemingly absurd led directly to Pharaoh’s release of the Israelites from the land of Goshen.
How like God to test our faith by demanding from us what seems ridiculous! Whether it’s building an ark without a cloud in the sky … or believing the promise of having a baby when you’re pushing a 100 years old … or painting blood on a door to spare your family’s lives, God seems to increase our faith by the unusual.
The substitution pictured in the Passover foreshadowed the final perfect Lamb who would be slain for the forgiveness of those who put his blood on the doorpost of their hearts by faith (Isa 53:7; Matt 27:14; Acts 8:26–40). Led by Moses, the Israelites kept the Passover, not doubting that God would keep his promise to them. The death of the firstborn son would have ended the covenant promise to Abraham. But Israel’s firstborn were protected. Why? Because Moses did not waver in availing himself of the substitutionary sacrifice God provided. He trusted God to be faithful.[4]
What about you? Are you trusting God and obeying Him even in the absurd?
What is your true identity? How is this identity revealed by your refusal … your choices … your treasures … your separation …?
What do your daily activities, choices, and treasures reveal about your identity?
Does it reveal an identity that is covered by the blood of Jesus, which leads to salvation? Or is it an identity that is not covered by the blood of Jesus?
When the recent development in Israel started happening, I spent sleepless hours praying for all of you. Not because I’m fearful of what is happening or what is going to happen, but because when I observe some of your lives, I’m not sure if your true identity is like Moses’ identity. I have been praying that God will grant repentance to anyone in our midst who needs to repent and trust in Jesus.
I’m convinced more and more that the world is getting so close to the coming of the Antichrist and the return of Jesus. Are you ready? I mean it, are you ready? If you have any doubt in your heart about your true identity I beg of you to repent and put your trust in Jesus. Refuse the pleasures of this world, choose the joy of the Lord. Treasure Jesus, and separate yourselves from this crooked generation and be saved by the blood of the Lamb of God.
[1]Swindoll, Charles R. Hebrews. Tyndale House Publishers, 2017. Print. Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary.
[2]Swindoll, Charles R. Hebrews. Tyndale House Publishers, 2017. Print. Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary.
[3]Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017. Print.
[4]Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017. Print.