Thursday, April 19, 2007
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward" (Hebrews 11:23-26).
IDEA: We can make good decisions that seem to turn out poorly.
PURPOSE: To help listeners realize that they can't measure the wisdom of their decisions simply by the way they turn out.
Have you ever made a bad decision? What do you mean by that?
Is there a difference between a bad decision and a good decision that turns out badly?
I. Moses made a good decision that must have seemed to turn out poorly.
"By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward" (Hebrews 11:24-25).
What was the decision that Moses made? Do you personally think that it was a good decision? Why?
Do you think Moses ever wondered about the decision to go with God and with God's people?
He gave up the good life of Egypt to be mistreated with the children of God.
Pharaoh regarded him as an enemy and not as a member of his family.
He spent his life in the wilderness and ate manna for almost 40 years.
The people who followed him didn't appreciate his leadership. They complained about the desert, the food, and his decisions (Numbers 14:1-5, 10).
He didn't make it into the new land himself.
II. We can make decisions that are right decisions but may seem to turn out poorly.
Following Jesus is a wise decision, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it will produce immediate good consequences.
We many experience some bad Fridays as Jesus did. Ten of his disciples ended up dying vicious and violent deaths.
Good wins no ultimate victories except out of the grave of apparent defeat.