Week 31 - Tim White - Created for Community

We Were Created for Community: Lessons from Exodus 17

Hello everyone! I’m Tim, and today I want to share a powerful story with you from Exodus 17:8-16. In this passage from the ESV, we read about a time when the Amalekites came to fight against Israel at Rephidim. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men to go out and fight, while Moses promised to stand on top of a hill the next day holding the staff of God.

When the battle began, a fascinating pattern emerged: whenever Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed.

As you can imagine, it doesn't take long for your arms to get tired when holding them up. Moses's hands grew heavy and weary. Seeing this, Aaron and Hur stepped in to support him. They provided a large stone for him to sit on, and then they stood on either side of him, holding his arms steady until sunset so that Joshua and the Israelites could ultimately win the battle. We don't know exactly how long they stood there—it could have been 4, 6, 8, or even 12 hours—but they remained by his side.

After the victory, the Lord told Moses to write this event down as a memorial, promising to utterly blot out the memory of Amalek. Moses then built an altar and named it "The Lord is my banner". True to His word, there are no known biological descendants of the ancient Amalekites today; when God says He will do something, His Word never fails.

What is the takeaway for us today?

Moses was a strong, faithful leader, but he simply could not win this battle on his own. He desperately needed help. We don't know if Aaron and Hur noticed him struggling or if Moses explicitly asked for assistance, but they stepped up, added their strength to his, and made victory possible.

Let's bring this closer to home:

• Don't be afraid to ask: If God is asking you to do something and you feel exhausted—like Moses, tired of holding your arms up—it might be time to ask someone for help.

• Be an Aaron or a Hur: If you notice someone else struggling and getting ready to give up, step alongside them and help hold them up.

You and I were created for community. Let’s be truly mindful of one another, recognizing that sometimes I will need you to hold me up, and sometimes you will need me to hold you up.

Let us ask God to give us eyes to see those in need, ears to listen for cries of help, and the willingness to be the hands and feet of Jesus to serve them.

May God bless you, keep you, and give you peace. Have a great day!