So, his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (vs 11-12).
In this passage we see two separate incidents during the wilderness wandering. Moses had led the people through the wilderness of Sin (that's a place, not an action) and they camped at Rephidim. The rest was welcome, but there was no water to drink. The Bible tells us that the people “quarreled with Moses” to which he replied, “Why do you quarrel with me?” (Exodus 17:2). Moses reminded the people that while he was their human leader, God was their ultimate leader and their complaint was with Him. It is at this point that God demonstrates His grace and orders Moses to stand before the people and strike the rock in Horeb and water came forth to meet the need.
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Something that really spoke to me this week —> "Moses reminded the people that while he was their human leader, God was their ultimate leader and their complaint was with Him." How often do I complain to or against human leaders, when my complaint is actually towards my ultimate leader—God? When I consider my complaining in this light it changes my attitude.
To see how you can do your part helping the leader God has given you, check out our 8 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor post.
Come and Gather: Family Time With God published with permission
Pastor Jeremy Sweatt, Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, Connecticut
22 Comments
1/21/2020 09:17:44 am
Leaders are so vulnerable to criticism and discouragement. We need frequent reminders to uphold them in prayer and in our actions that support and assist.
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1/21/2020 09:26:06 am
It is an unbelievably difficult journey to be a pastor. We are blessed to have these people, willing to take this journey, to shepherd us! Let's support them daily in prayer.
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1/21/2020 09:23:47 am
A good reminder to see what we can do to help our leaders rather than always asking more of them or leaving them to cope alone.
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1/21/2020 01:34:19 pm
I need this reminder quite often, Barbara. I hear a great sermon on Sunday and then go about my week forgetting to pray for the shepherd of our little flock that is preparing another great sermon from the Word of God and dealing with all the crazies at our church. It takes a special person to be that man!
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1/21/2020 09:32:12 am
I especially liked this: "The work of the Lord is not for one person only. It is necessary for all of God’s children to do their part, and then victories can be won." As one who has been in ministry my whole adult life I know the truth of this. The one up front is supported by many no one sees.
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1/21/2020 10:34:23 am
I love that, Debbie —> "The one up front is supported by many no one sees." It is so the truth! Praise God for the many no one sees, and may each good man of God have many no one sees behind him!
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1/21/2020 02:55:19 pm
I've been thinking a lot this month about how we are to use our bodies for the glory of God. God could have saved the Israelites even without Moses's arms being raised, but for whatever reason, that bodily posture was important for that situation. I want to be as faithful with my posture as well. I'm actually posting about that tomorrow so it is really on my mind. :)
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1/21/2020 06:23:46 pm
Can't wait to read, Lisa! Posture is important. It says a lot about us—the right posture in church reveals our respect for God.
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1/21/2020 06:25:36 pm
REST! Rest is so important, even (or especially) for the man of God! And yes, we DO need each other—a team, a body of Christ. Serving together. Striving together for the Kingdom.
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1/22/2020 10:12:05 am
I love the picture of these 2 men holding Moses up to accomplish God's will. So much to learn from this.
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1/23/2020 07:58:58 am
It's a great, gentle nudge for all of us, Laurie! :)
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1/23/2020 11:51:30 am
We all need this assistance from time to time. As VBS director I have had to ask for help in order to get everything pulled together in time. At first I felt bad that I was not able to do it alone, but then I realized what a blessing it was to be able to ask for help. Now, I don't feel so bad asking for help.
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1/23/2020 05:48:44 pm
Bless your heart VBS director Angela!!! That's a tough job.Yes, asking for help helps you AND it gives people the opportunity to receive a blessing by helping! :) But I feel ya, I know it's difficult to ask for help.
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1/24/2020 07:37:26 pm
Moses is one of my favorite people in the Bible. I love this reminder that even one of the greatest heroes of faith needed help.
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1/2/2021 01:11:47 pm
Yes, Valerie, his life is a testament to how much you and I, and everyone else, need God's help.
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1/28/2020 03:54:11 pm
My husband was in this place when I became sick and he was trying to pastor and care for me. The church failed him greatly. Oh, how we need to hold up the arms of our pastors.
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1/2/2021 01:14:49 pm
I am so sorry to read this, Mandy. Yes, the church should be the first to hold up the hands of its pastors and leaders. However, the responsibility doesn't stop there. As Christians, we are all responsible for holding up the arms of each other. Thanks for linking up!
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