Moses

God's Teenage Hero -- Moses
Moses was born in Egypt, while Israel was oppressed in slavery. Threatened by the
prospering Israelites, Pharaoh severely afflicted them (Exodus 1:7-14).

When vigorous work did not phase them, Pharaoh decreed to the Egyptian midwives
that all Hebrew male children should be killed. His plan failed due to the moral fiber of
those women (Exodus 1:15-21)—a trait which cries out against the guilt of those who
support abortion and infanticide today.

Pharaoh then commanded all the Egyptians to execute his deadly plan (Exodus 1:22).

Moses was born to godly parents—Amram and Jochebed—who by faith defied the king,
hid their son, and trusted God (Hebrews 11:23). They constructed a small ark from
bulrushes and floated their baby down the river, to be discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter
(Exodus 2:1-8). Having taken him from the water, she named him “Moses,” and raised
him in Pharaoh’s household (Exodus 2:9-10).

Moses’ Spiritual Disadvantages
As Moses grew, he had every worldly advantage. Spiritually speaking though, he was in
a hostile environment. No home is more corrupt than the house of a monarch—yet
Moses maintained his spiritual priorities. Jochebed was a godly woman, undoubtedly
cut from the same mold as Timothy’s mother, Eunice, “when I call to remembrance the
genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother
Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5; cf. 3:14-15).

Moses faced tremendous pressure to compromise his morality—yet remained true to
his God. Moses, Timothy, Daniel, and countless others stand out as teenagers who
overcame their ungodly surroundings. As witnesses, they confirm that we can do it too!

Moses was highly educated in the greatest wisdom of his day, “And Moses was
educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and
deeds.” (Acts 7:22). Although educated in a system of science and religion which did not
revere God, he remained faithful.

Moses’ educational training placed no emphasis on God. If anything, it was antagonistic
to God.

Morality was probably taunted and ridiculed. Ungodliness was encouraged. Moses’
greatest influences came from men who had no regard for God. Daily they pounded
their philosophies into his impressionable mind. But God says “I will destroy the
wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside. Where is the wise
man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish
the wisdom of this world?… the world through its wisdom did not come to know God…
but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:
19-29).

The Egyptians were even recognized as some of the wisest men in the world (cf. 1
Kings 4:30). The teenage Moses, was influenced by worldly wise men who did not know
God—men similar to those in educational places today.

Moses’ Spiritual Victory
The false knowledge and speculation of these men could not shipwreck young Moses’
faith. Their influence was minimal. Like Timothy, Moses was careful to “guard what has
been entrusted to you, avoiding world and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of
what is falsely called ‘knowledge’—which some have professed and thus gone astray
from the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

In spite of these obstacles, Moses grew to be a strong believer in God, “destroying
speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God…” (2
Corinthians 10:5). His faith overthrew their vain speculations.

“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s
daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy
the passing pleasures of sin; considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the
treasure of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26).

Moses grew strong as a young man, and undoubtedly gained the favor of everyone. We
should admire him. In a hostile environment, he retained his perspective and stood firm
in his convictions.

Conclusion
Young Moses lived in an environment similar to ours. Humanistic and atheistic
influences were great. Pressure to conform to those philosophies was almost
unbearable. Moral compromises were justified, and ungodliness encouraged. Yet
Moses overcame and remained loyal to his countrymen and to his God.

Even in today’s world, there is hope for young people! Teens can learn from Moses, “For
whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through
perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans
15:4).

--Rob Harbison