Hebrews 11:25-26 “He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
This New Testament reference to Moses is an example for all who face the temptation of treasures, comfort, prestige, power, and pleasure – in fact, for all who have already experienced them, as in Moses’s case having been raised in Pharaoh’s household. But the way to life does not lie in that path. Instead, true living, hope, and purpose of eternal value are for those who choose the narrow road that leads to life (Matt. 7:14). That road is also one of being mistreated, disgraced, and misunderstood, of dropping off the track of worldly acceptance and approval. But God’s very great reward waits ahead; and that reward is himself.
Father, our hearts are restless until we find our rest in you. All the temptations to pleasure and “success” and any other counterfeit promise of a better life are, at the bottom, attempts to fill voids that only you can fill. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)