I love listening to stories of “the good old days”, or how things were before my time. I especially love to hear stories about how God has blessed His people’s lives in their times of uncertainty or hardship. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons I have such an affection for the Bible. It is a collection of accounts about God moving amongst his people. Blessing, judging, warning, loving and correcting his children. Hebrews chapter 11 is an excellent example of such stories. Accounts of various individuals, having exercised faith, they obeyed God, and were blessed for it.
One of these acknowledgements from Hebrews 11 in particular really stood out to me last week. As a parent, my desire is to leave something lasting for my children when I leave this earth. Not monetary things, physical blessings, or even some tasty recipes that have been passed down through the years. My desire is to leave them with some spiritual wisdom, and a personal relationship with God that they will, in turn, pass on to their children, and others around them. When I came across Hebrews 11:23-26, these verses really struck a chord with me.
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.
Hebrews 11:23-26
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.
The influence of faithful parents
We read through Hebrews 11 and many people are mentioned by name as having faith, and doing brave things in the name of God. When we come to Hebrews 11:23 it reads “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents…because they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.” If we are simply skimming through this chapter, we may read this verse and attribute this to Moses’ faith, because his name is mentioned. If you read it closer, however, it states that by faith, when Moses was born, HIS PARENTS hid him for three months. The very next verse and several subsequent verses then speak of Moses’ faith.
Moses’ parents were not afraid of the king and his laws. I dare say they were more afraid of displeasing a holy God. (We need to grasp ahold of this today, and be prepared for the challenges that potentially lie ahead for us in America. Chose you this day whom ye will serve. Joshua 24:15) Even though Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s house, he knew of the faith of his parents. His mother probably sang to him about God as she nursed him when he was a baby. Perhaps she told him stories about God and his goodness while they were in the quiet times of the evening before she put him to bed as a toddler. However it was passed on, we know Moses’s parents’ faith had an impact on him. The very next verse in Hebrews 11:24 begins the account of what Moses accomplished because of his faith in God.
What are you passing on?
Parents, Grandparents – your influence for the next generation is great! Are you passing on faith? Or are you passing on fear? Do you speak highly of God often? Do you even speak of Him at all? If a book about your life is written after you are gone, what will be on your list of accomplishments? Will you achieve more for the world, or more for God?
