Bible Reading Blog
“Greater Than Moses”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Hebrews 3.1-6
If the bible had an all-star team, Moses would probably be one of the team captains. You would be hard pressed to find a page in scripture that’s not influenced by his life. He wrote the first 5 books of the bible. He delivered the law from God that would define the very lives of God’s people. Moses led Israel through one of the most challenging seasons in any nation’s history.
As you page through scripture, Moses is esteemed for his teaching and efforts. Even in the New Testament, he is cited for matters of judgment (Matthew 19.7). Religious groups were formed around his teachings and example (Matthew 23.2). His presence is nearly inescapable in the story of scripture. As such he was (and still is by many) treated with the utmost authority and respect. This is primarily because, in the biblical record, Moses is remembered as a man who was a faithful servant of God (Hebrews 3.2, 5). The refrain in Exodus 39-40 is that “Moses did according to all the LORD commanded him” (Exodus 39.1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 31, 42-43; 40.16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32) ultimately finishing the work God gave him to do (Exodus 40.34). Moses was faithful in God’s house, so much that God would openly state his approval (Exodus 33.17).
Moses is a spiritual giant. But he’s not the one we follow. Why? There are obvious answers. He didn’t call us to do so. He played a very specific role in history. He didn’t die for us. In fact, he’s still dead, like every other leader in Israel’s history. Although prominent in the scriptures, the story doesn’t stop with him. There was always going to be someone greater than Moses. His faith serves to help us, and many others in history, see Jesus.
We should learn to emulate Moses’ faithful life, as well as others of faith (1 Corinthians 11.1; Philippians 3.17); but we must remember these are mere shadows of the perfect Christ. Even Moses knew this (see Deuteronomy 18.15-19). Moses was but a servant whereas Jesus is the son. Moses’ fell short of the promised land, but Jesus perfectly leads to the eternal promised rest. Moses had imperfections but Jesus did not. His faith paved the way for others to see the one God ultimately wanted us to listen to (Hebrews 12.25).
Here's what this means for us: Our faithfulness should always serve to elevate Jesus. Not only does this take significant pressure off us but establishes a clear goal with everything we do: point others to Jesus. I should practice faith to point to the one whose name “God has highly exalted and given the name that is above every name so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2.9-11). Our practice of faith must be about someone greater than just me.
I can teach, help and serve others, but I am limited. I cannot change their hearts and I cannot save their souls. But I know the one who can. And by faith, I hope to show Jesus more clearly to the world.
