Moses has always been held in the highest regard by the Jewish people. He
was, after all, the prophet God used to bring the Law to them. He led them
out of Egypt and to the promised land. He was, and is, a towering figure in
their national history and faith.
In some ways, it might seem that a comparison of Jesus to Moses would leave
Jesus lacking. After all, while He lived in Israel, Jesus never became a national
political leader. He didn’t lead them out of servitude to Rome as Moses had
delivered them from the Egyptians. He seemed like another Rabbi, albeit one
who did amazing miracles.
But the Spirit says that Jesus far outranks Moses. Moses was a faithful
servant in God’s house, while Jesus is the faithful Son. Jesus is worthy of
much more glory than Moses.
The focus then shifts to the longing of all hearts, rest. While Moses led the
people out of Egypt, he didn’t bring them into a place of real rest. Even
Joshua, who led the Israelites into the promised land, couldn’t give them
genuine rest. They always looked forward to another rest, which would be
authentic and indisputable.
It is this real rest which Jesus alone provides. But it is only accessed through
belief. The problem throughout history has been unbelief. Those who left
Egypt with Moses didn’t trust that God could give them victory over the
inhabitants of Canaan. They didn’t trust that God could rule them as King.
And now, the question comes full circle.
Jesus has come. He offers real rest. But will we believe? Will we trust that He
has accomplished the work that is necessary for our salvation? Will we rest
from our endless and fruitless striving, believing that He has won our rest?
Jesus is greater than … Do you believe it?