MAJOR OR MINOR?
Opening Prayer
Lord, I am amazed that you delight in me and am overwhelmed with gratitude that you rejoice over me with singing.
Read HEBREWS 11:23–31
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 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. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.[a]
Footnotes
- Hebrews 11:31 Or unbelieving
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What kind of ministry or service do you most admire, and why? What kind of ministry or service do you carry out, and why? Do those two questions have any connection?We move on in the history of the Hebrews to the story of Moses and the exit from Egypt. He has already been discussed by the author in chapter 3. Moses was called ‘faithful as a servant in all God’s house’ (3:5). Not claiming any status for himself, and considering earthly riches of little comparative value, identify him as someone looking to the future promise. The phrase that this was ‘for the sake of Christ’ indicates this (v. 26).
There’s also Joshua, who carried out God’s instructions so that Jericho would fall (v. 30). Both he and Moses had upfront leadership roles in Israel’s history. But the passage begins and ends with other people: first, Moses’ parents (Amram and Jochebed, Exodus 6:20), whose faith prompted them to hide him from the Egyptian slaughter (v. 23; Exodus 1:22–2:4); and lastly, Rahab, whose actions were significant in the conquest of Canaan (v. 31). Their roles may have been less prominent (or you might think not…), but they are equally commended for their faith.
Apply
I once heard someone say that God does not require success; he asks for our obedience. Whatever ministry God has called you to, whether it’s seen by many or known to only a few, look to him for the strength to remain faithful as you do it.
Closing prayer
Lord God, thank you for the privilege you offer me to serve you. In all that I do, help me to honor you and bring you glory.
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