By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.  By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.  He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.  By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destoyer of the firstborn might not touch them.  By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.  By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. (Hebrews 11:23-31)

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By faith…

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Hebrews 11:13 is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it tells of the faith of men and women throughout the Bible.  In this passage, we see how, by the faith of Moses’ parents, his life was spared.  They trusted God more than they feared the king. Moses grew to be a man who feared God, just like his parents.  He chose to be mistreated with the people of Israel rather than enjoy the treasures of Egypt and the pleasures of sin.  By faith, he left Egypt and then returned to lead the Israelites out of slavery.  His faith gave him the courage to face Pharoah, choosing to obey God rather than fear man.  Through his enduring faith, he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood on the doorposts, saving the firstborn of the Israelites.  The people marched out of Egypt and crossed the Red Sea on dry land because of Moses’ faith.  When the Israelites made it to the Promised Land, the Lord promised to give them victory over Jericho.  They only had to believe and obey.  By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched for seven days.  God even used Rahab, the prostitute, because of her faith.  By their faith, the lives of the spies were spared and God spared Rahab’s life.

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We see a word repeated many times here.  That word is FAITH.  Through faith, God can accomplish great things in our lives and the lives of those around us.  Moses was an ordinary man and Rahab was a prostitute, but God used them to accomplish amazing things and to spare the lives of the Israelites.  He can do the same things in our lives.  He wants to use us to bring Him glory.  He wants to use us to change the lives of those around us.  He wants us to see what faith in Him can accomplish.  He is the same God that gave Moses the courage to face Pharoah and cross the Red Sea.  It only takes us being willing to say, “Lord I have faith in You. Use me to accomplish great things for Your glory on this earth.”

 

Questions to Ponder:  Do you have faith to be bold in the face of fear or disapproval? Do you depend on your faith in God more than you depend on yourself? Does your life reflect a life of faith? What are you doing to change the lives of those around you for the glory of God? Are you willing to say, “Here I am Lord, use me?”

 

Prayer:  Dear Father, give us faith like Moses and Rahab.  May we realize that You are faithful in all things.  Help us to allow You to use our lives for Your glory and to change the lives of those around us.  May we not fear man more than we trust You.  Give us the boldness to stand for Your values even when the world disagrees.  Help us to be diligent to share Your love with those who need Your salvation.  May the world see You when they look at us.  Thank You for Your faithfulness even when we are not faithful.  Thank You for Your steadfast love that never fails us.  In Your holy name we pray, Amen.