from the Dangerous Duty of Delight

John Piper writes,

"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah'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 treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. (verses 24-26).

Moses is a hero for the church because his joy in the promised reward caused him to count the pleasures of Egypt as rubbish by comparison. They were too short and too small, compared to the reward. This pursuit of the full and lasting reward of Christ-centered joy bound Moses forever to Israel in love. He endured incredible hardship in the service of God's people when he could have had a lifetime of comforts in Egypt. The power of love was the pursuit of the greater pleasures in the presence of God over the fleeting pleasures of sin in Egypt."

May this encourage you to strive to find more delight in God than in all the delights of comfort this world has to offer - and it has plenty - but He is more.

This morning I discovered that I take more delight in staying in my warm and cozy bed for a few more minutes (snooze button!) than in spending time with the Lord. I know in my mind that at his right hand are pleasures forevermore, and that He is the treasure that our souls will delight in for all eternity. And yet, I would rather stay in bed and spend those early moments in warm coziness than fighting for heart-satisfying delight. (I think this is called "Welcome to Romans 7 and the battle between flesh and Spirit)

I got out of bed, and spent time with him. And you know what, I didn't regret that decision at all. I live in the battle of my flesh and spirit. Like Paul, my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. Today, though, it was Spirit - 1 Flesh - 0. Thanks to the Holy Spirit's work in my heart and soul - not to any strength in myself - I tasted and saw that the Lord is more delightful than sleep. One small step, but a victory nonetheless!

Someday, I hope that I can experience that which Paul experienced that allowed him to truthfully say,

"To live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Right now, I have the hope that the Lord will wean my heart from the pleasures of this life. He is able.

Here is a contrast of those whose delight is in this life, and those whose delight is the Lord.

"...men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness."

Let us know, let us press on to know this Lord.