p. 391 | The Victory of Moses by W. R. Carswell

Signs Publishing Co. · Melbourne, Victoria · Jun 21, 1920

FromAustraliasian Signs of the Times, Vol. 35, No. 25.

The Victory of Moses

By W. R. Carswell

The Conflict of the Ages—No. 4

The Victory of Moses

W. R. CARSWELL

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Heb. II:24-26.

The choice made by Moses was a remarkable one. Living in a world in which, generally speaking, riches and honour were coveted above all else, Moses deliberately chose the side of those who were in bondage, poverty, and contempt. He who was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” and was “mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22), yet chose to renounce his heirship to the throne, with all the riches and honour rendered to the heir-apparent, in order that he might champion the cause of the poor and oppressed people from whom he sprang. What was the source of this resolution which indicated a spirit of self-abnegation typical of the unselfish love of Christ?

Faith in the Word of God

caused Moses to take the noble stand for righteousness and truth, which necessitated forsaking his riches and honour as heir of the throne of Egypt. Taught by his godly mother in the fear of God and faith in His Word, Moses never forgot the requirements of the divine law. He refused to bow down in worship to images, the work of men's hands, and amidst the corrupting worship of the Egyptian court continued to render pure worship to Jehovah.

Moses “had respect to the recompense of the reward” promised in God's Word to Abraham and his seed. He knew that all who, like Abraham, were faithful and obedient to God's commands would enjoy eternal life and an eternal inheritance; and weighing the invisible, but eternal, reward against the visible, but temporary, one, he chose the former. Having once made the choice, Moses never went back on his act of consecration to God. Truly a noble example for all young men to follow, and a wonderful example of faithfulness to emulate!

Mistake of Moses

Infidel writers are fond of descanting on “the mistakes of Moses.” Usually the mistake is in themselves, viz; the mistake of “not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God,” like the Sadducees, when Jesus dwelt with men. Matt. 22:29. But one mistake Moses did make. Knowing by

revelation that he was to deliver Israel from bondage, he essayed to do the work before he had received the divine equipment. He thought by force of arms to deliver those whom God was to be honoured in delivering. He attempted to do the work without the preliminary training. After forty years in God's school in the wilderness of Midian he was ready, but by that time felt his unfitness for the great work committed to him. Like another of God's instruments in later times, he was taught the lesson that “when I am weak [and realise it], then am I strong.” 2 Cor. 12:10.

Living by the Word

After Moses had entered upon his great work of leading Israel from Egypt to Canaan his whole life was an example of what it means to live by the word of God. His faith in God and obedience to Him were an object lesson to all Israel. The very lesson that God designed to teach them was thus taught in the flesh. Their wilderness sojourn was intended to impress upon their minds the important truth that “man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.” Deut. 8:3. This was the same truth which Jesus taught in His earthly sojourn, saying, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.

Living by the word of God, Moses stretched out his rod and opened the Red Sea; with the same rod, at God's command, he smote the rock and gave rivers of water to quench the thirst of the hosts of Israel, with their flocks and herds; and in the time of the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, his word caused the earth to open and swallow up the adversaries of God and his servant. See Ex. 14:21-28; 17:6; Num. 16:30-32. It was by faith in the word of God that Moses interceded again and again for a rebellious people. Twice tested by the Lord to see if there remained in Moses any remnants of selfish ambition, God found His servant absolutely free from selfishness. His one ambition was to see all men give glory to God, his longing desire was to see the rebellious people saved.

Moses Twice Tested

The first test came to Moses while alone on the mount with the Lord. His divine Companion revealed to him the apostasy of Israel, who were at that moment bowing down to a golden calf, and suggested destroying the idolaters and making of Moses' descendants a great nation. But Moses had no worldly ambition remaining. Having forsaken Egyptian honours, he desired none that earth could give. But with holy boldness he reminded the Lord that if He should destroy His people, the Egyptians would say He had brought them out of Egypt for that purpose. He also reminded the Lord of His word pledged to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give their descendants the land of Canaan. His earnest petition was accepted and Israel spared.

Again, when on the borders of the promised land the people of Israel, discouraged by the false spies, rebelled against Moses, and chose another leader to take them back to Egypt, the servant of God was again tested. When the rebels sought to stone the two faithful spies, the glory of the Lord was seen, and the suggestion was made to Moses that the rebellious nation should be smitten with pestilence and disinherited, while from Moses a greater nation should spring. But still with the honour of God in view, Moses pled with God to turn from this purpose, recalling the revelation of God's character which had been made to him. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, forgiving His people's transgressions,” was the substance of his plea; and the nations must not have it in their power to say that God could not bring His people into the land of promise. Pleading that God would again pardon His people, in accordance with His forgiving nature, this man of mighty faith and love again received that which he sought. Num. 14: 11-21.

Although himself shut out of the earthly Canaan by death, Moses had the privilege of leading his beloved people to the borders of the land; and, raised from death he was transported to the heavenly Canaan, afterwards to appear as a comforter of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Luke 9: 28-30. In the great conflict with the adversary of souls, he was victorious because he trusted implicitly in God's promises, believing that they could not fail.

May we, dear reader, triumph likewise through faith; like Moses enduring trial as seeing Him who is invisible. Heb. 11:27. Thus will it be with all who believe and obey in the strength of Christ.