Useful Bible Studies > Hebrews Commentary > chapter 11
For many centuries, Egypt was one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Often in its history, its royal family was the richest family on earth. Moses had a place in that family. But he left it in order to serve God.
After that, Moses never knew wealth or luxury again. He lived in a desert, where the earth was too dry for most plants to grow. He constantly had to travel in order to find water. For 40 years, he looked after sheep and goats there. For another 40 years, he led his people through the same desert. It was a hard life.
The author of Hebrews knew all these facts. He knew how, later, Egypt’s king insulted Moses. He knew how cruelly Egypt’s leaders dealt with Moses. But the author makes an astonishing statement. Moses had discovered what wealth really is. And he did not discover it in the palaces in Egypt. He discovered it when he suffered because of his relationship with Christ.
Christians consider it a noble and honourable thing to suffer because of their relationship with Christ. Paul considered it an honour to suffer as Christ had suffered (Philippians 3:10). But Christians do not believe that pain is a good thing. In the perfect world, there will be no more pain or death (Revelation 21:4).
Moses could remain strong during all his troubles because he expected 'the reward’. Jesus spoke about this reward in Matthew 5:11-12. There is a wonderful reward for all who trust God to save them: a home in heaven (Hebrews 11:6; John 14:1-2). But there is a special reward for those people who have suffered because of their relationship with Christ. God will give them great honour in heaven.
Next part: Moses left Egypt in faith (Hebrews 11:27)
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© 2014, Keith Simons.