The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”
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 Amalekites army with the sword.
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord.” Exodus 17:8-16
Tragedies come, battles arise, and who holds your hands up? For how long? Do you win the battle? Do you build an altar to God in remembrance?
I remember my hands being held high. When my muscles fatigued, circles of people surrounded me in prayer, brought me meals, sent me cards, took care of the lawn, etc. Eventually, the battle seemed to be won. My hands received rest, my stomach full, sleep had come. Those who held up my hands moved on.
This battle is won, and a new battle somewhere else begins, drawing them away. I am left alone. But wait, my enemies have only been wounded. They rise up with weapons in hand and press in on me… now it is just me.
How does your church body hold up each other’s hands? Is this sustained? What about your family? What are ways you have held up someone else’s hands? Is there a time when you needed your hands held and people came through? Or didn’t come thru? In what ways can we do better to give each other strength without leaving wounded enemies instead of defeating enemies?
Happy 10th months Maggie. You are missed.
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