Moses: Labor's Sweet Reward

John Ruskin is quoted as saying, “The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” Such a fitting quote this is when we consider the labor of Moses. Moses was called from the simplicity of shepherding s

heep to the strenuous work of shepherding a people. His work of leading the people of Israel undoubtedly had its moments of pleasure, but certainly had its trying moments.

Moses stood for the benefit of the people of Israel. When they were too afraid to draw near to Him, Moses did (Ex 20:18-19). When the people had disagreements, bear in mind that we are dealing with an estimated multi-million, Moses sought out an answer (Ex 18:13) until he received advice to delegate the task. When the people sinned, Moses sought their intercession (Ex 32) - they didn’t even attempt it. When the Lord gave, the people complained, and it was Moses who heard and dealt with their complaints (Ex 16:3).

What can we say Moses gained from this labor? Was it riches? Was it respect? All through the last 40 years of his life he lived in poverty and faced several oppositions against his authority, even from his own kin (Num 12). Any respect Moses was to receive wouldn’t be received until the twilight of his life and far after. Even in the “far after” we might say he was disrespected as people sought to twist the Word of God which he revealed (Matt 19:7). In terms of an earthly profit, one which corresponds to so many of the aspirations of men (wealth, renown, status), Moses received nothing.

However, we know it would be unfair to say Moses received nothing. Can you truly name many other people in Scripture who had a more sincere, direct, intimate relationship with the God of heaven? Moses opened the door for such a blessed relationship by hearing and doing what the Lord had called him to do.

Now put this in perspective for yourselves. Will the work of the church make you great among the world around you? Of course not. Some will appreciate it. Some will jest behind your backs. None of us will make it rich and famous by our work. But, by our work, we will attain the most treasurable possession of all - friendship with the Lord. We will truly be His people.