In 1991, Gatorade began a “Be Like Mike” campaign featuring Michael Jordan (the G.O.A.T. of the NBA, in my humble opinion). It was designed to use Jordan’s name to sell Gatorade and it showcased his relentless work ethic, his indomitable spirit, and his commitment to excellence as an athlete. It was a popular campaign, helped sell Gatorade, and became a catalyst to inspire athletes to push beyond their limits (and enriched Jordan with $13.5M). Still, it is nothing compared to being like Moses as we learned this past Sunday in our study of Hebrews 11.

Moses was a special man, but not perfect (he killed an Egyptian and struck a rock in anger to get water). But God rescued him from sure death as a newborn and called him to be a prophet, lawgiver, redeemer, author (penned the first 5 books of the Bible), and apostle to the nation of Israel. His leadership was inspirational and his wisdom renowned as he led a very challenging nation of 2–3 million grumbling Israelites through their wilderness journey to the promised land of Canaan that should have only taken around 11 days, not the 40 years it lasted.

So why “be like Moses”? Hebrews 11:25 tells us that he chose “rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.”

By faith, he chose short-term pain for long-term gain. This is what living the Christian life is all about, and it takes a daily commitment to avoid the distractions of the temporary for the sake of the eternal.

Be Like Moses in suffering through the short-term pains:

Are you and I willing to suffer the pain of alienation and misunderstanding from those we love as Moses did?
Are you and I willing to suffer the loss of the world’s honors, pleasures, and wealth like Moses did in being raised in Egyptian luxury?
Are you and I willing to stand up for true riches and righteous beliefs and behaviors (like heterosexual marriage, two genders, all life is valuable, wholesome speech, respect for governing authorities, etc.)?

Be Like Moses in living for the long-term gains:

Are you and I willing to gain the greater blessing of living with the messy, yet saved, people of God rather than the superficial society of the world’s most comfortable like Moses did?
Are you and I willing to gain the greater riches of Christ and experience the world’s opposition rather than enjoying the temporary treasures of this world like Moses did?
Are you and I willing to gain the greater heavenly reward for serving the Lord instead of gaining the lesser earthly reward like Moses?

Unless Michael Jordan is delivered by Christ (hope he is or will be), he will continue to experience some great short-term gains, but will tragically end with long-term pains. God has graciously allowed us to experience the lesser short-term pains that will always lead to the greater long-term gains that Moses modeled.

In the end, being like Moses should point us to the greater imitation…to be like Christ.

Pastor Jeff