Worth More

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Hebrews 11:26.
Moses had been a student. He was well educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, but this was not the only qualification which he needed to prepare him for his work. He was, in the providence of God, to learn patience, to temper his passions. In a school of self-denial and hardships he was to receive an education which would be of the utmost importance to him. These trials would prepare him to exercise a fatherly care over all who needed his help. No knowledge, no study, no eloquence, could be a substitute for this experience in trials to one who was to watch for souls as they that must give an account. In doing the work of a humble shepherd, in being forgetful of self and interested for the flock given to his charge, he was to become fitted for the most exalted work ever entrusted to mortals, that of being a shepherd of the sheep of the Lord’s pasture.
Those who fear God in the world must be connected with Him. Christ is the most perfect educator the world ever knew. To receive wisdom and knowledge from Him was more valuable to Moses than all the learning of the Egyptians….
The faith of Moses led him to look at the things which are unseen, which are eternal. He left the splendid attractions of court life because sin was there. He gave up present and seeming good that flattered only to ruin and destroy. The real attractions, the eternal, were of value to him. The sacrifices made by Moses were really no sacrifices. With him it was letting go a present, apparent, flattering good for sure, high, immortal good.
Moses endured the reproach of Christ, considering reproach greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt. He believed what God had said and was not influenced to swerve from his integrity by any of the world’s reproaches. He walked the earth as God’s free man…. He looked to the things unseen and faltered not. The recompense of reward was attractive to him, and it may be also to us. He was familiar with God..
Conflict and Courage p. 84
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Prayer Requests
——Eileen’s appointment went well. She will have surgery on June 15th. Please pray that all goes well and that the surgery will take care of the problem. Rose
—–Please pray for our friend Heather who has lime’s disease. Karen
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Dear Friends,
Last evening, Ron and I were talking about Ronnie Jay’s upcoming wedding and where we would stay and what we would need to do. It reminded me of when we went up to Lincoln to find Esther a wedding dress. Esther, her friend Crissy, Eileen, and I went shopping at bridal gown outlet store. When we walked into the store, we were a little overwhelmed by the hundreds of gowns they had for sale. We searched and searched through racks for just the right gown. As we were searching, I noticed that many of the gowns did not appear clean. Some had makeup stains on them. Others appeared slightly grimy. Esther tried on several before finding a beautiful dress with many layers of filmy netting that was within her budget. The top layer was embroidered with flowers. It was modest and beautiful. The size was not quite right, but since the length of all of the gowns had to be altered, the top could be as well. The clerk assured us that she knew of a lady who would do the alterations very economically.
Suddenly, I noticed a tear in the top layer of netting on the skirt. The clerk assured us that since it was so near the hem, it was going to be cut off during the alteration process. Relieved, we went back to Esther’s and Ronnie Jay’s house to get Ron so he could put his stamp of approval on it. We got back to the shop a few minutes before they were to close. Esther put on the gown. Ron approved and told her that she could get it. At that moment, I noticed another tear. This one was not near the hem. It was about four inches below the waist. Because the netting was so sheer, there was no way to repair it without leaving a noticeable line. Even glue would not have worked. I showed the clerk and she told the store’s owner. The owner did not come out of her office but sent word that those tears was the reason why the dress was marked down to such a cheap price. We told the clerk that we were no longer interested in buying the dress and, very disappointed, walked out of the store.
Some time later, while all our kids were home for the holiday, we again went wedding dress shopping. This time we had to have an appointment in advance. When we walked into this particular store, we could tell it was a higher class store. We were greeted by the owner and were asked to sit at a table, look through a book where the gowns they sold were pictured, and choose several possibilities. After that was over, she ushered Eileen and me to an overstuffed, green sofa in front of a huge mirror. Esther was taken into a dressing room to try on the bridal gowns. Emily, a salesclerk, was assigned to help her.
While we were waiting, Eileen and I enjoyed watching other brides-to-be and their families and friends picking out just the gown they wanted. Soon, Esther came out wearing a beautiful dress. As she stood on a pedestal in front of the mirror, we could visualize her on her wedding day. She liked the dress, but it was not within her price range. Once Emily found out what Esther could afford, she went back to the racks of gowns and returned with several possibilities. Esther tried on one of these gowns and came out for our approval. It was lovely. She decided that this was the gown for her. Carefully, I looked for any tears or spots. There were none. It was somewhat wrinkled, however. We were assured that they would check it over carefully, clean and steam it. By her wedding day, it would be perfect. She was so excited and purchased the dress and some other needed items.
Throughout this experience, I couldn’t help thinking of how the Bible compares Christ’s love for us to the love between bride and groom. He says to us, “Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee.” Song 4:7 “For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” Isa 62:5 Because of His great sacrifice, we can declare, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” 61:10
Even though we should be focusing upon that soon-coming “Wedding Day” when Jesus will gather His people from every generation, how often we allow other things to divert our attention. Earthly pleasures, the routine of life, the troubles and trials that come our way occupy our thoughts and time. We become like that first wedding dress, which looked perfect at first glance, but upon closer examination was found torn and imperfect. Praise God! There is a remedy for our condition. Paul tells us that Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it, That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:25-27 Only as we allow our Heavenly Bridegroom to remove our torn and filthy garments and clothe us with His own robe of righteousness can we be prepared for the “marriage supper of the Lamb.” Rev 19:7-9