We need faith every day. Without faith, we would constantly be defeated in our struggle against sin and Satan. The Oklahoma Sooners’ softball team is becoming famous for having an amazing record of over 50 wins and only 1 loss. They are headed to the collegiate World Series. When asked about their success and joy, the three players that were interviewed all replied that their joy and stability is because they play for the glory of God. Their faith was greater and more important than their impressive record and accomplishments. In this passage, we see Moses also practiced faith and chose to live for God instead of the world.
Parting Faith
Faith is active. James warns that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). “By faith [Moses] left” The verb “left” implies that Moses left with a heroic determination, akin to Matthew the tax collector who left everything behind to follow Jesus (Luke 5:27-28). It was a dramatic and sacrificial parting, marking the end of that life. It required an act of faith by Moses.
A parting faith considers everything secondary to Jesus Christ. Moses left Egypt, the place he called home. In the Bible, Egypt represents the world (Isaiah 30:1-2). The world might seem appealing and secure but it is foolish to dwell and place your faith here (Genesis 13:10). Jesus says He is not of the world and we are not also. This is because the world has nothing to offer. We have all that we need in Jesus. True faith recognizes Jesus as its one and only Lord and will have no other.
Fearless Faith
There are many who are in danger if they leave their old life and follow Christ. Think of an ex-gang member who might be targeted because of his departure. Many others face danger or persecution by remaining faithful. Daniel and his friends are well-known examples of the dangers faith brings. Moses also made an enemy of Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world. Through Moses declaring the plagues in Egypt, Pharaoh suffered greatly and even lost his first son. Yet Moses did not fear Pharaoh’s wrath because faith does not fear the creature but trusts in God. By faith, we see the impossible as an opportunity for God’s sovereignty and loving will (Romans 8:31-34). We have no need to fear bad news if we live by faith (Psalm 112:6-8).
Enduring Faith
Moses’ faith was a lasting faith that patiently waited on God. His life was full of endurance: 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness, and 40 years leading the nation of Israel to the promised land. True faith does not only trust in God when life is going well. True faith walks through the narrow gate and endures all the hardships of life. When faith endures, then God works. By faith, Jesus endured over 30 years of life and ministry and excruciating hours on the cross to accomplish the great work of our redemption. The faithful men of old like Abraham and Job, though their lives were filled with hardships, endured and ended their lives well because they lived by faith (Genesis 25:8, Job 23:10, Job 42:17). Faith must endure.
Depending Faith
Faith is trusting in God who is unseen. We cannot see God because God is spirit. To see God’s face would mean death to us who are mere creatures (Exodus 20:4-6, Gen 32:30). Even though we cannot see God, we know God exists and is real (Romans 1:20). More importantly, we see and know God clearly through Jesus His Son (John 1:18).
In fact, trusting in God by faith is better than seeing Him with our eyes. The crowd hurling insults at Jesus on the cross were the exact ones who had seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. Their sight was useless to them. Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are they who did not see and yet believed.” (John 20:29) Apostle Peter explains that though we do not see God, we love Him (1 Peter 1:8). Love is the means of experiencing and seeing God. Love makes tangible that which is invisible.
How do we know we trust and love God? If we have inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8). That inexpressible and unquenchable joy is full of glory. It is not a joy rooted in the world, but in the glory of heaven based on the promise of God (Romans 8:18). The joy that comes from an inheritance that will never fade and cannot be taken away.
Conclusion
What kind of faith do you have? Do you practice faith like Moses did? A parting, enduring, fearless, and depending faith. What Moses went through, we all go through in our lives. Examine your faith. You will find that faith like Moses is how God works.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
Leave a comment