February 18 – Holding Up Our Friends

Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.  Exodus 17:8-13 

I love this story of Moses, Aaron and Hur. Moses’ arms must have gotten so tired. All the Israelites want to win their battle, but if Moses lowered His arms, God allowed the Amalek’s army to win. So his friends held up his arms and the Israelites. That is true loyalty and friendship—standing there with your friends to support and encourage them. Would you do the same for your friends? Imagine a hot day—friends trying to do some life threatening task. Or maybe it’s you—would your friends stand up for you…hold up your arms?  

Training Tip – Read the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur. Have one member of your family hold up his (or her) arms like Moses and see how long he can hold up. Cheer him on—encourage him. Then have two others step in and hold up his arms for a few more minutes. How does each of them feel? Discuss the loyalty those helpers showed by holding up “Moses” arms. 

Lord – Once again I declare my loyalty to You. Like Aaron and Hur I would hold up Your arms in any battle. There is a spiritual battle going on unseen. Please hold me up as well.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.