"Winning the War" January 23 Readings: Exodus 13-18

Today's Reading - Exodus 13-18

Background

There are three parts to today's reading. First, we see the actual Exodus, God's saving act of grace to Israel when he took them out of Egypt by his grace through the Sea and eventually to the Promised Land. Then, we see Moses' song of praise in chapter 15 after the horse and rider were thrown into the sea. Our God is a warrior who defeats his enemies and ours to accomplish his work in us. The third section is a study of human nature. Israel saw the greatness of God's love and grace, but when they had a need they complained and groused instead of trusting in him. They needed water - they complained he provided. They needed food - they complained, he provided. They wanted meat - they complained, he provided. An enemy attacked - he provided.

In chapter 18, God gives Moses a lesson in leadership. He was overwhelmed and overworked and his father-in-law Jethro told him to delegate, to get other leaders to help him.

Devotional - Winning the War

So, who was responsible for the victory Israel won against the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8-16? 

The "Wilderness Gazette" the next day carried banner headlines trumpeting the military prowess Joshua displayed as he led the out-manned Hebrews against their superior foe. Joshua picked up a sword and went into battle and he prevailed.

But there is more to the story than that. We know from the Bible that Moses was up on the mountain with Aaron and Hur overlooking the battle taking place below. He raised his arms to heaven, seeking the power of God to be displayed. And as long as his arms were extended on the mountain, the Israelites were winning down below. Moses sought God and Israel prevailed. 

But Moses could not do it alone. His arms grew tired as he reached out to heaven and gradually they began to fall. When his arms came down the tide of battle turned - suddenly the Amalekites were winning. But Moses had help. Aaron and Hur joined in and raised his arms back to heaven. Suddenly, the victory lost became a battle won. 

Joshua went into battle and won. Moses sought God so that Joshua could go into battle and win. Aaron and Hur supported Moses so that he could seek God and Joshua could win. 

So, who won the battle? Was it Joshua, or Moses or Moses' helpers Aaron and Hur? Yes. Yes to all. The battle would not have been won without Joshua, or Moses, or Aaron and Hur. 

The battles we have to face require a three-pronged strategy. First, like Moses, we must seek God and depend on him. Whatever we are that is good comes as a result of the work of God in us, the work of Christ for us. Victory comes from God. But none of us is a Lone Ranger. We need love and support, encouragement and edification. We need Aaron and Hur to hold up our arms as we seek God. Christianity is a group activity (it's called "church"). We must seek God and his power, and we need the help and support of other believers. God empowers us to engage the enemy (the world, the flesh, and the devil), but we must take those weapons he provides and walk into the fray.

Just as Israel's victory over the Amalekites involved Joshua doing battle, Moses seeking God, and Moses' friends lifting him up when his strength lagged, our success in battle against the forces of darkness requires dependence on the power of God, it requires the support of the Body of Christ and it requires us to actually go out into battle and engage the foe.

Lord, I live in an evil world and my own flesh betrays me. I seek you and depend on you for the strength to soldier on. I thank you for the help of my friends and church family who encourage me in the battle. Thank you that in the fiercest battle, I will prevail when I depend on you. 

Think and Pray

We all need to be involved at each of these levels.
We need to be warriors in prayer.
We need to support others who pray.
We need to be in the battle.
Are you involved in all of these?