Our lives consist of a series of choices. The choices we make determine the path that our life will take. Wrong turns can have tragic consequences, but good choices can make for a joyous and fulfilling tenure here on earth. Of course, our choices can also impact our eternal standing with God. The mansion prepared for us by the Lord (cf. John 14:1-2) hangs in the balance, dependent upon the decisions we make.
The life of Moses serves as a wonderful example in this regard. His life was first influenced by the decision made by his mother. “So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months” (Exodus 2:2). When she could hide him no longer, her desperate act to save her son resulted in Moses being raised by the daughter of Pharaoh.
Later, Moses determined his life’s ultimate path by submitting to His God. After years of exile in Midian, God sent him back to Egypt to lead his people out of bondage (cf. Exodus 6:13). In submitting to God’s plan for him, Moses became the leader of the Jewish people. God’s law for Israel, and the covenant relationship they enjoyed, came through Moses, the lawgiver. With God’s help, he led them out of Egypt, and through 40 years of wandering in the desert, to the banks of the promised land (cf. Numbers 27:12-13). Because of his faithful service, scripture refers to him as “the man of God” (Deuteronomy 33:1).
The writer of Hebrews expressed it well, “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Moses chose to reject the riches of Egypt to follow God. How many of us today are willing to make the same type of sacrifice?
There are a number of lessons to learn from the life of Moses. For example, as the choice of his mother impacted his life, our loved ones can greatly influence us as well! Consider the praise of Paul for the mother and grandmother of Timothy. He wrote of his thanks to God, “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). Those of us who have been raised by godly parents, or who have benefitted from the faith of others, should appreciate and give thanks for such encouragement and guidance.
The impact that obedience to God had upon Moses’ life is instructive as well. God has revealed himself to man through the Scriptures. Those scriptures fully equip us to live in a way that pleases Him (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). If we learn what God’s will is for us, and obey it, we will have a successful life in preparation for eternal bliss.
Consider the powerful enemy that Moses, with God’s help, was able to overcome. God’s power was demonstrated through the ten plagues He visited upon Egypt (Exodus 7-12), as well as the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14). While it is true that those who are evil may provoke and oppress us, ultimately God will protect us. Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). God is on our side, and since this is so, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
Finally, consider the feast of the Passover. God instructed Moses and Israel to observe that feast as a means of remembering the mercy He showed His people. “It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord, a solemn observance for all the children of Israel throughout their generations” (Exodus 12:42). The victories that we receive through Jesus Christ should also be remembered. One such memorial is the Lord’s Supper (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). We should always keep in our hearts the things God has done for us, and rejoice in our hope! As Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2).
Our lives, like the life of Moses, can turn a different direction as a consequence of any choice we make. We wish to live successful lives that will lead to happiness here on earth, and to eternal joy after our life on earth comes to an end. Therefore, we need to be diligent, guarding our hearts, seeking wise counsel, and determining to submit ourselves wholly to the will of the Lord. The apostle Paul had the right idea, one we should emulate. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Praise the Lord! We are His, and as such we have the hope of eternal life. We trust our Lord’s promise of a mansion over the hilltop. May our choices reflect that trust.
