In Wisdom, Thou Hast Made Them All; The Earth Full Of Thy Riches -- Part 2238

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

My favourite example of faith exemplified can be found in Hebrews 11, wherein many of the faithful throughout the Old Testament -- those who awaited the promise of the Lord God as their Saviour -- are cited. If you haven't read Hebrews 11, please do so and be strengthened mightily and edified knowing that in this current dispensation of grace, we have the promise. His Name is JESUS, and He loves us beyond measure. He is forever faithful in all things. "Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

In Hebrews 11, we see that all the treasures in Egypt were not enough to sway Moses from remaining steadfast in Christ's greater riches. This stance by Moses, even when it meant choosing to suffer unbearable affliction with the people of God. Of course, there are many other scriptural examples too, but the point that is being shared today is that when we know in whom we serve, there is nothing that can come against us that can prosper.

From this example, we see that "by faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 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. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:23-27) 

You see, when we believe in the Lord God Almighty -- His Name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace, we too can endure (and even more so) because not only do we "see Him who is invisible" but we can have the privilege of knowing Him too. Like the apostles on the day of Pentecost, we can commune with Jesus as both our Lord and Christ -- every moment of every day. (Acts 2:36-41) Praying without ceasing and rejoicing evermore.

Our cups running over with His abundance of joy and peace and mercy and love -- the latter being love without measure. The Great Shepherd laying down His life for His sheep whilst we were still His enemies. But I digress.

The rest of the story? As we see, it was never easy for the Old Testament giants of faith to stand firm in their faith but like Moses, they endured the hardships, the beatings and testings, the persecution while waiting for the promised Lamb.

Therefore, "through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:28-40)

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on Him shall not be confounded." (I Peter 2:6)

The once invisible has become visible, having felt the same infirmities that we do, and yet without sin. This is our heritage for those who believe in the Lord Jesus by faith, and as He said, "Follow Me!" The unsearchable riches of Christ!

"O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches." (Psalm 104:24)

Stand in the offering plate.