10/17/13:

TFTD: “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” –Hebrews 11:26

What do you consider a reward these days? Right now for me it is the little bit of sweets that I allow myself on the weekends. Usually I would have dessert a couple of times a week, if not every day because I love sweets so much, but I am working toward a goal of being in all around better health. I’m exercising and eating healthier in the hopes of building some strength and losing a few pounds, but that comes with a price. It takes some discipline for me to give up or refrain from doing and eating some of the things that I want right away. The thing is, when you see results it seems like more of a joy than a struggle.

            This is where we find the Hebrew’s authors account of Moses. They were pointing out that Moses viewed his reproach or tribulation as greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt. Imagine being the stepson of a pharaoh, one of the most powerful people of that time, and just disregarding everything that you could have inherited. Going and living off the land for 40 years and then coming back and being overjoyed that you are being persecuted for your faith. Crazy right? Not so much when you look at the big picture. Moses knew what was coming, and wasn’t worried about all of the things or persecutions of this world because he was waiting for his reward. He knew that there was a new Jerusalem coming for him. He knew there was something so indescribable that nothing in this life could ever compare. That is the same reward that we look forward to. No matter what you are going through right now you need to remember that you have an eternity of perfection waiting for you. The greatest reward of all awaits! I know I’m excited for it, I hope you are too.

“The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”
-John Ruskin