Moses: Lifting the Hands of God’s Man

1/21/2020

We are currently, on Tuesday mornings, looking at seven different characters from God's Word. We've looked at Abraham: God’s Powerful Promise to a Patriarch and Joseph: He Obeyed Quickly & Completely. Today, we're looking at Moses: Lifting the Hands of God’s Man.

These characters are also featured in (Part Three: Days 21-27 Men of God Character Study) our Come and Gather: Family Time With God 27-day devotional. Or, what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Today's theme is encouragement and our text is from Exodus 17:1-16.

“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side.

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.

Shortly after this incident we are told “Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). As if it were not enough that there was inward strife, now there came attacks from without. Moses commanded Joshua to assemble the troops and fight. As the men went to battle Moses, Aaron, and Hur stood on the hill watching what was happening. We are told that while Moses held his hands up the Israelites prevailed. However, the burden was great and Moses began to tire. When his hand fell the Amalekites began to win. Upon seeing this, Aaron and Hur came to the assistance of their leader. Verse 12 shows clearly the blessing these men were to Moses. The first thing they did was to give him a place to rest or sit and then they came alongside him and steadied his hands. The result was, of course, a tremendous victory.

To lead the people of God is a great responsibility that comes with many blessings as well as burdens. There are difficulties within and attacks from without. The real danger is that often a battle is waged when the leader is exhausted and there is little energy left. It is during these times that there is a great opportunity to be a blessing and help. Moses was doing as God had commanded him, but the work was hard and he needed help. Aaron and Hur were ready and willing to lend a helping hand. What can you do to be a help to the leader God has given you? Are you ready to do what you can and what is needed? 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.

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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

20 Comments

Michele Morin link

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.

Patsy Burnette link

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.

Barbara Harper link

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.

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!

Debbie Wilson link

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.

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!

Boma link

1/21/2020 10:02:31 am

Most times, looking from outside, we might never know the burdens these leaders carry. The Church today truly can do better in this area. Thanks again for the studies. Many blessings to you!

1/21/2020 10:35:07 am

Yes, Boma, I think we have no idea!

Lisa notes link

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. :)

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.

Jerralea link

1/21/2020 03:55:53 pm

This is so true: "The real danger is that often a battle is waged when the leader is exhausted and there is little energy left. It is during these times that there is a great opportunity to be a blessing and help."

We are a team. We need each other!

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.

Lauren Renee Sparks link

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.

1/22/2020 06:04:19 pm

Yes there is, Lauren. Lots of lessons for us here!

Laurie link

1/23/2020 07:06:34 am

"What can you do to be a help to the leader God has given you?" What a good question. One of the leaders in our church needs some assistance. I think I should raise my hand.Thank you for the gentle nudge.

1/23/2020 07:58:58 am

It's a great, gentle nudge for all of us, Laurie! :)

Angela Johnson link

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.

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.

Valerie Riese link

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.

Mandy Farmer link

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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