Hebrews 11:23-31 NKJV
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
This passage continues to unveil the hall of faith, showcasing the unwavering trust of God’s people throughout history. We find both inspiration and instruction in the accounts of faith presented in these verses.
The writer of Hebrews highlights the faith of Moses and the Israelites, drawing attention to their courageous acts of obedience in the face of adversity. Moses, from his birth, was marked by faith as his parents, by faith, defied the king’s edict to preserve his life. By faith, Moses himself later chose to identify with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Egypt.
Through faith, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, unafraid of the wrath of Pharaoh, trusting in the unseen hand of God to deliver them. By faith, the Israelites passed through the Red Sea on dry land, while the pursuing Egyptians were drowned, demonstrating the power and faithfulness of God to His people.
Today, we are reminded of the importance of faith in our own lives. Like Moses and the Israelites, we are called to trust in God’s promises and obey His commands, even when they seem difficult or inconvenient. We are called to walk by faith, not by sight, knowing that He who has promised is faithful to fulfill His word.
The writer also mentions other figures of faith, such as Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho, who welcomed the spies in peace and was spared when the walls of Jericho fell. Rahab’s faith serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace knows no bounds and that He is able to redeem even the most unlikely of individuals.
Thus, we are encouraged by the diversity of faith displayed in these verses. Whether it’s the faith of Moses leading a nation out of bondage or the faith of Rahab in a pagan city, we see that God honors and rewards those who trust in Him. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit give us a right judgment in all things that we may have and always rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.