Changing Roles

Exodus 17:10-13
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

What’s your dream of retirement? Do you look forward to kicking back and taking it easy, no alarm clocks or appointment books? When your physical ability can no longer compete with the incoming “young guns,” will you relinquish your position gracefully?

Moses had stopped leading men into battle, handing the reins over to Joshua. Some might think he’d completed the job God called him to do. He’d led the Israelite nation out of Egypt and slavery. He could have given himself the best tent, relaxed and enjoyed a novel on the enormous beach where they now resided. Instead, he went into battle with Joshua.

While Joshua fought the battle physically, Moses fought it spiritually. It wasn’t easy. Sometimes standing still can be more difficult than constant motion. Yet from his vantage point up high, Moses could watch the momentum of the battle shift when he brought his arms down to massage his weary shoulders. It was crucial that he keep his hands up. The fate of his people depended on it.

That’s where friends came in, loyal supporters who wouldn’t get much credit later. Aaron and Hur moved a rock so Moses could sit with his hands still in the air. They held up Moses’ arms when his ability gave out. The Israelites were victorious.

Once while I was going through a frightening crisis, a dear friend told me she’d be there to hold up my arms as Aaron and Hur had held up Moses’ arms. She knew there would be little notice or acclaim for what she did, but her prayer support kept my arms in the air for months, even still today. We’re still winning that battle. I hope she never stops supporting me.

All of us have useful roles to play in God’s kingdom during all phases of our lives. We may get to lead people into battle, another time we may be called only to pray for the success of others. Often, we’re Aaron and Hur, physically called to support our spiritual leaders. Our place is only to listen for God’s voice and obey.

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us work to do during each phase of our lives. Help me to be gracious in allowing others to lead, praying for their success. When You call me to encourage others, help me to hold up their arms with a willing spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.