Transforming faith
by Libby Krahling
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By faith Moses … considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward (Hebrews 11:24a,26).
Read Hebrews 11:23–31
Moses’s life is often seen as an archetype for Jesus – born in humble circumstances, under threat of death from birth, walking with the abused and persecuted, holding fast to God and rejecting comfort, wealth, acceptance and worldly power. Willing to face judgement and suffer the anger of ruling authorities because he had a greater purpose.
But Jesus isn’t just a new Moses – he is the fulfilment of all the prophecies, the Messiah, God in human form. Where Moses’ faithfulness in keeping the Passover saved the children of Israel, and then brought them out of slavery, Jesus brought about a whole new covenant between God and his people. Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and then resurrected on the third day so that we can all be called the children of God. Through the sprinkling of his blood, we are rescued from death and are no longer slaves to sin.
While we may not be called to live a life as high-profile as that of Moses, we can be challenged and encouraged by his faith. The same faith which God worked in Moses, he works in us.
Faith is powerful. Through faith, God transformed ordinary people into mighty heroes, people we can emulate. It isn’t that Moses or any of the other people mentioned in Hebrews 11 made the miracles and mighty deeds happen – but that their faith allowed God to use them for his purposes. God delivered the Israelites from their suffering in Egypt. God parted the Red Sea. God brought down the walls of Jericho. God gave an isolated and ostracised woman in a hostile city the courage to stand up for what was right – and saved her from death.
Mighty God, grant us the faith that focuses on you no matter the cost. Transform us by your love and mercy, and use us to achieve your purposes, so that you may be glorified in all creation. Amen.
Libby Krahling and her husband Phil are members of St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa, in South Australia. They have two adult sons. Libby runs the Worship Planning Page, organises the Daily Devotions, and this year is currently working on the Worship and Devotional Life in Lutheran Schools and Early Childhood Services project for Lutheran Education Australia. In her spare time, Libby loves to cook, read and paint.
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