Hebrews 11:23-31
23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”
The author now addresses Moses’ faith. It was faith that led Moses to His relationship with God. This faith led Moses to do some crazy things and to trust God to act on his behalf. But the author is ultimately making the point that we on this side of the cross must also dare to believe in supernatural things. We must also believe in Jesus and the blessings of the New Covenant.
Looking to the reward: Christians are to look to the reward, which is invisible, for fulfillment. We can look to the visible for contentment including sin. But the reality is the New Covenant has transformed believers so that they are only satisfied when they trust in the invisible. The believer’s reward is knowing Jesus and expressing Jesus. The author of Hebrews is presenting Christ and the New Covenant as the ultimate reward.
By faith the prostitute Rahab: Rahab opened the door to welcome the spies. That’s all she did. And yet James 2 says that Rahab was made right because of this. She makes one decision to believe God and salvation results. Hebrews teaches us that it’s not how much we do for God, it’s what er do in response to God’s grace. It’s about directing our faith towards Him.
