Daily Devotional | A Distinctive Faith

Author Zora Neale Hurston wrote a book titled Moses, Man of the Mountain. Published in 1939, it retells the story of Moses and the Exodus. Hurston altered details of the story for her own purposes, weaving in allusions to African American history, folklore, and song. She reflected the deep resonances black people feel with this scriptural narrative.

The themes of freedom and liberation in the life of Moses are intertwined with his faith in God. By faith, he chose to identify as an Israelite slave, which was his true heritage (vv. 24–25). The implication in Hebrews is that he chose to be mistreated as one of God’s people rather than to enjoy the “fleeting pleasures of sin” (v. 25). Why would Moses make such a choice? “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt” (v. 26). How much did Moses know about the coming Messiah? We aren’t exactly sure, but Jesus did say that Moses wrote about Him (John 5:46). The point is that Moses chose God’s people, and thus God Himself, knowing that his faith would be rewarded.

By faith, Moses left the riches and privilege of Egypt. Humanly speaking, by doing so he lost power, influence, and wealth, yet he persisted in trusting God through 40 years in Midian. His parents had surely taught him about the God of their ancestors. That’s how he could persevere—”because he saw him who is invisible” (v. 27).

By faith, Moses kept the first Passover, believing that a lamb’s blood would bring salvation (v. 28). He led the people in celebrating in faith before the final plague had actually happened, before their liberation had finally been accomplished. His faith staked everything on God’s character, His loving purposes, and His promise-keeping power!

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