The Man Who Refused To Compromise

 “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 recompence of the reward.” - Hebrews 11:24-26

When we think about difference makers in the Bible, one of the first names to come to mind is Moses. Moses was a key figure in the Old Testament. He is credited for writing the first five books of the Bible. He is the man that God chose to lead the Israelite exodus from Egypt. Moses is the man that God gave the law to. After all these years, Jews and Christians look back to Moses and honor him for his incredible leadership.

Moses had a rough start to life. As an Israelite child, he was under condemnation of death. Instead, his life was preserved in the household of Pharaoh's daughter. Moses grew up with all the advantages of Egypt's best. He probably had nice clothes, proper training and a strong education. While these things helped Moses, they did not define him. Instead, his life took an amazing turn as he came into adulthood.

From the Scriptures, we learn four things about Moses that set him apart and led him to be the great leader of the Israelite exodus.

1. HIS CHOICE

First of all, Hebrews 11:24-26 states, “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 recompence of the reward.” As an adult, Moses made a choice to stand with his suffering brethren. Can you image the temptation he had to stay in Pharaoh's home and enjoy all the luxury? Yet Moses made the courageous decision to leave there. Today, few are willing to leave the allurements of sin. Not many are willing to suffer along with the people of God, even though eternal glory awaits those who do. Moses refused to compromise. Let's follow his example.

2. HIS CALLING

Secondly, he had a divine call at the burning bush. He didn't seek the call. In fact, he tried to run from the call. Ultimately, he obeyed God. The Lord used him to make an impact that would be memorialized forever in the pages of God's Word. Moses was a called man. He was a man who had a divine unction to carry out an impossible task.

3. HIS COMMUNION

Next, Moses had close communion with God. From the burning bush unto his death, Moses had an intimate relationship with God. Exodus 33:11 says, “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” That is a remarkable testimony. When a man walks with God, he is unique. Few men really have an intimate walk with the Lord, but Moses did. No wonder he lived an uncompromising life.

4. HIS COMMITMENT

Finally, Moses had opportunities to stray from his calling, but he remained firm. Despite the complaints of the people, uprisings from rebels and insurmountable obstacles, Moses stayed faithful. He refused to compromise his walk with God or his calling.

Today, Christians are being pressured to compromise. This pressure is getting stronger and stronger. To make things worse, even some in the church are calling for us to compromise. Like Moses, let us stand firm on the Word of God. Refuse to compromise with the world. Let us hold to Biblical convictions regardless of the cost.

The lure of the world may seem tempting at times, but we need to remember that glory awaits those who follow Jesus. Let's bear the cross so we can win the crown.