Staff and the Sword
“As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.”
Exodus 17:11-13 NLT
Here is an interesting story regarding one of the first battles Israel would face as a free nation. The Amalekites were a menacing nation with a history of being brutal in battle. The greatest risk of wandering in the wilderness was the inability to provide protection against Israel’s enemies. They were always vulnerable against an attack. Well, you would think so.
This is the unique ingredient
This is the unique ingredient about the life of faith. Although you might feel threatened or look weak, God has made a really big promise. HE will be your protection. God himself said he will be your rear guard and the pestilence will not come near you. God's word says that not a hair of your head will be touched when the fiery arrows take flight against you. Amazing! The God of the universe is your protection.
However....
We do have to do something. We still have to battle. We still need to show up. David still has to walk in faith down into the valley to challenge Goliath. We just can't bury our head in the sand and hope it will all just go away.
The Amalekites were real. They were a real threat. This is a unique picture however of how victory is won. Joshua was leading the charge in the trenches but Moses raised his hands with the "staff of God." When Moses' hands were high, victory came to those on the frontlines. Yet, Moses grew weary and the armies of Israel felt it. They were losing ground! In order to change the momentum Moses needed to raise His hands again. But what do you do when your leader is spent? It seems elementary, but it's not. Get the man some support!
Today, Pastor's and leaders need your support. They need someone to let them know they are covered, supported, and in the battle with them. A healthy Pastor is a healthy church. They didn't grab his arms to manipulate him, but to support him. In the same manner, we should take this biblical example and lift up the shepherds staff. The entire people of God will be blessed for it!
Exodus 17:11-13 NLT
Here is an interesting story regarding one of the first battles Israel would face as a free nation. The Amalekites were a menacing nation with a history of being brutal in battle. The greatest risk of wandering in the wilderness was the inability to provide protection against Israel’s enemies. They were always vulnerable against an attack. Well, you would think so.
This is the unique ingredient
This is the unique ingredient about the life of faith. Although you might feel threatened or look weak, God has made a really big promise. HE will be your protection. God himself said he will be your rear guard and the pestilence will not come near you. God's word says that not a hair of your head will be touched when the fiery arrows take flight against you. Amazing! The God of the universe is your protection.
However....
We do have to do something. We still have to battle. We still need to show up. David still has to walk in faith down into the valley to challenge Goliath. We just can't bury our head in the sand and hope it will all just go away.
The Amalekites were real. They were a real threat. This is a unique picture however of how victory is won. Joshua was leading the charge in the trenches but Moses raised his hands with the "staff of God." When Moses' hands were high, victory came to those on the frontlines. Yet, Moses grew weary and the armies of Israel felt it. They were losing ground! In order to change the momentum Moses needed to raise His hands again. But what do you do when your leader is spent? It seems elementary, but it's not. Get the man some support!
Today, Pastor's and leaders need your support. They need someone to let them know they are covered, supported, and in the battle with them. A healthy Pastor is a healthy church. They didn't grab his arms to manipulate him, but to support him. In the same manner, we should take this biblical example and lift up the shepherds staff. The entire people of God will be blessed for it!
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