Heavy Hands
Today’s Verse:
But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ~Exodus 17:12
One of the misfortunate diseases a person can be afflicted with is Parkinson’s. This disease weakens the arms and hands. It results in a trembling of one or both hands. A person who has this has challenges in holding any object with steadiness. As the disease worsens, the afflicted person is dependent upon help from others with lifting, carrying, and holding objects. This morning, we are studying an incident when Moses needed help in holding up his hands. We are looking at the importance of holding up the hands of someone important in our life.
We see a surprise battle.
Amalek attacked Israel by surprise. He attacked them at the back where the children, elderly, and weak were. Amalek is a picture of our flesh and the enemy. The enemy always attacks us where we are the weakest. New believers are under attack. Believers who have little faith are under attack. Long-time Christians are under attack. We cannot time the attacks of Satan, but he attacks. Churches are under attack. The enemy attacks to hurt, maim, and destroy. Always be vigilant, because the enemy will attack.
We see a serious business.
Moses ascended to the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. That rod was a symbol of God’s power working through and in him. Moses said that he would ascend to the top of the hill and, there, he would hold up his hands for the people who were fighting below to see. He made himself visible to encourage them in battle. Moses pictures the importance of prayer. Prayer is a vital necessity before, during, and after an attack. In Ephesians 6:18, we are told to make prayer an indispensable means of holding the whole armor of God together in our life. Make it your business to pray for your family. Make it your business to pray for the members of the church. Make it your business to pray for the pastor and the missionaries. We must pray.
We see the supporting bearers.
We are told that Moses' hands became heavy. After a period of time, Moses felt the strain and weariness of holding up his hands. When his hands were held high and steady, there was continuous victory. If his hands started to lower, the enemy started to make advancements. Israel’s victory was dependent upon Moses' hands being held up. Aaron and Hur saw this, immediately came to his side, and held up his hands. One took the right side and the other took the left side. Their unselfish action enabled Moses to keep his hands high and steady. We must see ourselves as a burden bearer to those who are in a vital spiritual capacity and position. Churches that God blesses are churches where the spiritual men and members hold up the pastor’s hands. Families that God blesses are families where they are holding up each others' hands. We cannot win the battle by ourselves. We are dependent upon some Aarons and Hurs who can come to our side and help us.
We see a substantial blessing.
Joshua discomfited Amalek with the edge of the sword. The word discomfited means he weakened, disabled, or made him bow prostate. Amalek was defeated and backed off! Joshua beat him with the edge of the sword. The sword pictures for us God’s Word in battle. Joshua’s eventual success can be attributed to the burden bearers on the top of the hill who were praying for him to win. Never negate the importance of making intercession for your family, servants of God, and fellow Christians.
Somebody you know has hands that are heavy. Don’t be a bystander and watch the enemy win. Take your place alongside of those who are in the thicket of the battle and help hold their hands up. Help bear their burdens. Help hold their hands up so that they are steady.
Have a helpful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Daniel 7-9