February 15, 2022

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.

Exodus 17:10-13

Devotional

As I read this passage of Scripture, I find myself contemplating the various roles that Joshua, Moses, and Aaron and Hur played in the battle against the Amalekites. Joshua served as the physical boots on the ground, wielding his sword and leading the Israelites, who were surrounded by a dominant, foreign enemy. Moses battled in the spiritual realm, interceding for his people, feeling the wax and wane of battle in the ebb and flow of his prayers. And then we see Aaron and Hur, offering support and echoing prayers as their leader grew weary. 
 
There are times in our lives when we get to be the boots on the ground. We can lift our community and help rebuild homes and businesses after devastating storms. We can take a meal to a family when they welcome a new baby or to a friend who is recovering after surgery. We can pack seeds to send to our brothers and sisters in Christ across the world, helping them plant gardens that will provide for their families.
 
Other times, though, we are called to be warriors in prayer. The Lord calls us to step back and cry out to God on behalf of others, the Church, and our community. While we may want to be on the battlefield, the Lord encourages us to see that the fighting done on the mountaintop is essential to the victory below. 
 
Amazingly, these physical and spiritual acts can be equally draining. That is why we are also encouraged in Scripture to surround ourselves with community. The prayerful support of our brothers and sisters becomes a mighty battle cry in the spiritual realm, overwhelming and ultimately defeating the Enemy.

For Reflection

As you examine the various circumstances in your life, where are you being called by the Lord? Do you need to wield the sword or raise your arms? 
 
Perhaps you need to provide rest for the weary and continue the good fight. May the Lord provide us with wisdom and discernment as we approach the battlefield.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to recognize our role on the battlefield. If You are calling us to use our God-given gifts to support and bolster the community, please provide us with the resources we need. If we are called to lean into Your presence and pray, may we acknowledge the weight of that responsibility and pray without ceasing. Help us to offer strength to those around us, encourage one another, weep with one another, and rejoice with one another. Thank You for going before us and standing alongside us, no matter what obstacle may lie ahead. You are good, Lord. What You do is good. Teach us Your ways. Amen.