Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

Hebrews 11 says: 
By faith Moses. . .refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter.    
He chose rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God
  than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 
He considered abuse suffered for Christ
  to be a greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt,
  for he was looking ahead to the reward.
Hebrews 11:24-26

I offer three comments on this passage. 

First, it tells us that sinning can be a pleasure, though it warns the pleasure is fleeting. This differs from my religious education, which focused on teaching that “sin is not really a pleasure”. Methinks they objected too strongly. There is pleasure, although fleeting, in the drugs, sex, and rock and roll they feared so much and preached so admantly against. 

Moses’ experience as prince of Egypt offered him many pleasures–food, wine, leisure, wealth, servants and slaves, and a pompous Egyptian burial when he died.

My second observation is that Moses’ faith made him take a longer view and a harder road. He knew Egypt’s unjust system of politics, power,  and religion would crumble under God’s judgment. He knew his Israelite heritage was based on God’s promises that would outlast the empires of the world.  

My third observation is that yes, Moses was indeed looking for pleasure–but lasting pleasure, the pleasure of achieving something for God, the pleasure of living in community with God’s people, sharing their joys and their pain. And the hope of living in God’s presence in this life and the next. 

Let’s pray. 

Our father, teach us to make decisions like Moses, to associate with the poor, the enslaved, and the despised people you have chosen, rather than the politicians and denominations and oppressors of this world. 

Help us to see beyond the fleeting pleasures of our North American luxury to the privilege of being citizens in your eternal kingdom. 

Help us to turn the princely education this world has given us to tasks other than acquiring wealth and pleasure. Help us to discipline our appetites, to walk away from power and privilege in search of the life you have promised.

Overturn our values. Like Moses, may we consider suffering with Christ of greater value than all the riches of the West.  

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.  

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