“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” Heb. 11:26, 27
In the above verses the writer is speaking of Moses about his choice to follow God rather than rule in Egypt and live in luxury. When you think about why he chose as he did, let us just say–it was in his blood. He chose to live with God’s people even though they were slaves in a foreign land. They were slaves living on a promise. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Heb. 11:13. It was not the conditions in which they lived that they were watching but it was the invisible. You cannot look at what is going on around you and live in faith. You must see the unseen by faith in the Word of God and stand on the promises of His Word to us. You must be like the people of faith and live entirely on the promises of the Word. Jesus Christ is the Word. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” John 1:1. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
“…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Heb. 12:2. The word “looking” signifies undivided attention, looking away from all distractions in order to fix one’s gaze on one object. In Hebrews 12:2 it is having eyes for no one but Jesus.( NKJV Spirit filled Life Bible word wealth) Too often our attention is taken away from Jesus and set on our circumstances. Our faith is then shaken and we cry, “Jesus where are you?” He is still there, but we just quit looking at Him. When Peter walked on the water as Jesus told him, he started to sink. Jesus had not gone anywhere, but Peter saw the conditions around him and not Jesus. To be guilty of the same lack of faith, just take your eyes off Jesus. Don’t give up, don’t ever give up. “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition (destruction), but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:39. Keep on keeping on, and you can make the “Hall of faith!” Read Hebrews 10:35.