After the miraculous events of the Exodus from Egyptian oppression, God led the Israelites into the deserts of the Sinai Peninsula. They suffered thirst and hunger. The journey required faith. However the former slaves didn't know how to live apart from their former taskmasters. They grumbled and complained along the way. At times Moses feared for his life, concerned that the people might stone him.
In every instance God provided. God delivered. Beyond the scant water and food, the Hebrews were attacked by the Amalekites. (See Exodus 17:8-16) A battle ensued with Joshua leading the fighting men of Israel against the enemy forces. The high priest Aaron and Hur accompanied Moses to a hilltop overlooking the battle. God instructed Moses to hold up the staff of God through which God wrought the plagues upon Egypt. As long as Moses held the staff up toward the throne of God in heaven Joshua and his forces prevailed. But when Moses tired and rested his arms, the Israelites began to fall before the Amalekites. So Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms, with staff in hand, as Moses rested upon a rock. The Hebrew forces won the day.
The image of Moses with Aaron and Hur on either side holding up his arms is a memorable one. It ought to remind us of a couple things. First, our battles in life, whether at work or at home, or in our own personal wrestling, are best fought by turning our hands and hearts toward God. It is by relying upon God and trusting in God's providing and protection that we have confidence in the day of battle. The New Testament speaks of spiritual warfare. In the battle against evil systems and wickedness, oppression and greed, God is able to bring justice. The apostle Paul writes,
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18, NRSV)
Paul urges the church to be strong in the Lord. Strength comes through faith, trusting in the power and presence of God in all that we face in life, work and ministry. Therefore pray like Moses with your heart and hands lifted to God. You may not have a miraculous staff to wield toward your battles, but you do have the cross, a continual reminder of God's victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ.
Secondly, Moses wasn't alone in his intercession for Israel during the battle. He was supported by his community, by Aaron the High Priest and by Hur. Aaron was the brother of Moses and anointed to lead Israel in the worship and service of the Lord. Hur was a trusted member of the community of Israel who was with Moses to help. God gives us family to support us. God appoints leaders in the church to aid us in our battles. God gives us trusted friends in our community to stand with us. Too often I go it alone and don't reach out to my support system. That only weakens my ability to endure the strain of the battle I may wage. But when I reach out I find ample encouragement and help. I draw strength not only from God in prayer and faith, but also from the joy my supportive family and friends gladly give me.
The next time you find yourself facing a battle in your life, remember the image of Moses with his arms stretched out to God and his supportive family and friends at his side. Through prayer and community you will have what you need to endure every battle.
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