"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" (Hebrews 11:26).

Many middle-aged readers will remember Keith Green.  He had been an up and coming rock musician in the early seventies when he made a 180-degree turn to follow Christ.  He had a ministry calling the church, especially young believers, to solid commitment.  One of his albums was titled, "So you wanna go back to Egypt?"  The main theme was the pull of the world seeking to draw the believer back to the old way of life.

The daily verse is found in the "Faith Chapter" and describes Moses.  Talk about treasures; raised in the palace as Pharaoh's son he was in line to be Prime Minister of Egypt with all the prestige and perks of the most powerful kingdom of that age. 

But "he regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value."  What a powerful verse!  The writer of Hebrews uses the title "Christ" even though Moses lived some 1,400 years before the incarnation and the designation of the title "Christ" to the second person of the Trinity!  Of course Christ was alive and always has been in His preincarnate state.

Egypt indeed offered great treasures for Moses much like the world offers great treasures, especially to those of us who happen to live in the affluent regions.  These great treasures can be a stumbling block to belief for the unbeliever and frankly remain a great temptation for the believer as well.  Oh for the perspective of Moses who "was looking ahead to his reward."  That's what I want today as I serve the same great Christ that Moses served.  How about you?

All I once held dear, built my life upon,
All this world reveres, and wars to own,
All I once thought gain I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now, compared to this:

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord. *


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's prayer – Dear Jesus, help me to look ahead to my reward.  Remind me that the rewards, accolades, and accomplishments in this world are insignificant in comparison to the eternal reward that awaits those who remain faithful to You.  When I am in earnest fellowship with You my affections for the pleasures from the world decrease and my attention to spiritual blessings increase.  Lord, my greatest desire in this life is to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  There is nothing in this world that could replace such a lifelong goal.  Even as a horse wears blinders so that he is not distracted by noises and sights that would lead him astray would You place spiritual blinders on my eyes so that my focus is continually upward and I am not led astray by the sights and noises from the world.  In Your Name I pray, Amen. 
  
* "All I Once Held Dear" Kendrick, Graham © 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. in N, S, & C America by Integrity Music, Inc.) CCLI License No. 2005306  Listen to this song