Turn From the World’s Prestige

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.” Hebrews 11:24

Moses’ choice involved casting off the prestige of the world. Hidden in the reeds by his mother, Moses was found by the Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the royal family. He attained tremendous status and rose to the heights of Egyptian society. He had the power of the Pharaoh’s house. The prestige and the wealth of the world was at his grasp.

Furthermore, in the providence of God, he was raised by his own mother, who was hired by Pharaoh’s daughter to be his nurse. Doubtless from her he learned about the principles of righteousness and goodness, and learned of he lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

The next time we hear about Moses, he was forty years old and a prince. During all those years, Moses had been trained in the wisdom of Egypt. He had power, prestige, and fame. It was in that context that he made his choice. “When he had gown up, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” 11:24

God wanted Moses to lead His people Israel out of Egypt, but He wasn’t going to force him. Moses needed to make a choice. He chose to rebel against all the prestige of Egypt and took his place with the Hebrew slaves. He identified with the oppressed and refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

There are basically four things that contribute to worldly prestige: family, money, education, and position. Moses had all of those. He was in Pharaoh’s family, he had all the money of Egypt, he had all the education that Egypt had to offer, and he was a prince. Yet in no way did he consider that prestige, equal to the call of God in his life.

Any Christian who is going to be worth anything to God and make a difference in the world is going to have to make that same choice. If you are looking for the accolades of the world’s systems, you are not going to get God’s work done.

Likewise, if you are going to get God’s work done, you are going to alienate the world. Don’t think so...know so! People will think you’re crazy, but I believe if you follow God’s call, you will be alot better off.