WHO IS LIFTING YOU UP?
"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."
Exodus 17:11-12
One of the most amazing passages in all of scripture that gives us a textbook illustration of what it means to serve and support, is in the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur. Aaron and Hur provided support for Moses. In Exodus 17, the nation of Israel is faced with its first major military threat--the Amalekites. They were a hostile tribe, that was set to destroy the Jewish nation. Moses sent his top military leader, Joshua, out to fight the battle and square off with the Amalekites. While Joshua fought, Moses prayed and sought God's divine help and strength. Moses prayed with outstretched arms, just like he did at the Red Sea when the waters parted and then crashed back down on the Egyptian army. Moses was providing cover for his people. While his arms were raised, Israel prevailed. But when Moses' arms grew weak, the battle shifted and the Israelites struggled.
The raising of hands is a common posture during prayer, but as you and I know, there is only so long you can hold up your hands before they grow weak and weary. That's where Aaron and Hur come in. Recognizing a crucial need, they stood on each side of Moses and helped him lift up his arms so that the Israelites would prevail. It may have seemed like an unconventional technique, but they were willing to do whatever task it took to lift up their brother and pursue the victory.
Aaron's name means "strength", and Hur's name means "liberty". What a thought that Moses, a great man himself, the leader of the nation of Israel, needed great men around him to help lift him up. And on that day, God provided strength and liberty to lift him up.
Who are the individuals around you that are lifting you up? We all need them! We cannot be successful going solo. Also, who are you lifting up?
If you are a leader, you will lead your people well if you allow others to help lift you up and if you practice lifting others up on a daily basis.
Happy Monday, everyone!!
