“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.”–Heb.11:24-26

Moses was born into a Hebrew family, but he had grown up with the Egyptian royal family. He had to make a choice. Was he going to embrace the Egyptian way of life, perhaps becoming a ruler one day? Or would he choose to identify with God’s people and perhaps live a life of slavery?

Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. When he could have had the riches of Egypt at his fingertips, Moses chose to seek the spiritual riches of Heaven by following God.

It’s not always easy or convenient to identify with Christ. You may be at work with coworkers who use ungodly language or tell inappropriate jokes. They will expect you to laugh or take part in their conversation and show that you agree with what they are saying. There will be a temptation to join in with them or to simply stay silent and not say anything. As adults, we face peer pressure just as our teenagers do!

Moses stood up against the blasphemers of his day and identified with Christ. He wasn’t so worried about being popular that he wasn’t willing to stand up for Christ. He realized that following Christ and obeying Him was far more important than being liked by a few people.

The Prussian king Frederick the Great was widely known as an agnostic. By contrast, General Von Zealand, one of his most trusted officers, was a devout Christian. Thus it was that during a festive gathering the king began making crude jokes about Christ until everyone was rocking with laughter—all but Von Zealand, that is.

Finally, Von Zealand arose and addressed the king: “Sire, you know I have not feared death. I have fought and won 38 battles for you. I am an old man; I shall soon have to go into the presence of One greater than you, the mighty God who saved me from my sin, the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are blaspheming. I salute you, sire, as an old man who loves his Savior, on the edge of eternity.” The place went silent, and with a trembling voice the king replied, “General Von Zealand—I beg your pardon! I beg your pardon!” And with that the party quietly ended.

General Von Zealand was not afraid to stand up to the king of Prussia in defense of his faith. Moses was not afraid to stand up to the Pharaoh of Egypt in defense of his faith. Elijah was not afraid to face the king of Israel and all the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Don’t you think if God gave each of these men courage and strength to stand, that He will give you strength as well?

Don’t be afraid to stand up for your faith. When others mock Christ, boldly identify with Christ, and take a stand for Him. Do not oppose others out of piety, but out of love for God. Ask the Lord for strength so that you may stand for Him when others ridicule Him. (Dr. Paul Chappell)

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30

Well may I commit the keeping of my soul to Jesus in well-doing–as unto a faithful Creator. He gave Himself for me. This transcendent pledge of love–is the guarantee for the bestowment of every other needed blessing. Oh, blessed thought! my sorrows are numbered–by the Man of Sorrows; my tears are counted–by Him who shed first His tears, and then His blood for me! He will impose no needless burden, and exact no unnecessary sacrifice. There was no unnecessary drop in the cup of His own sufferings; neither will there be in that of His people. “Though He slays me–yet will I trust in Him!” “Therefore comfort one another with these words.”–By John MacDuff

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”–John 13:13-15

While Jesus and His disciples were gathered for their last meal together, the Lord took time to humble Himself in front of them and wash the dust off their feet. He didn’t care that He was performing the job of a servant. He didn’t order the job be done for Him. He simply saw the need presented and took it upon Himself to fulfill it.

After this example of great humility, Jesus gave His disciples, and gives us today, an important command, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Christ desires that we would follow His example in humility and graciously serve others.

Do you realize the context of this story? The Lord was preparing for His death on the Cross. He was spending His final moments with the men He had chosen to carry on His work after His death. Of all the commands, principles, or lessons He could have shared with them at this time, He took extra time to show them that a humble and servant-like attitude was important to Him.

Whom have you served recently? When was the last time you humbled yourself and displayed a servant-like spirit through serving others? God desires that you would follow His example and humble yourself before others. Even in times of great difficulty or trial, you can show humility through helping others.

Commit to displaying humility this week. Whether through serving at a church event, assisting a neighbor in some area, or helping your spouse, determine to follow Christ’s example of humility. (Daily in the Word)