We Can't Do It Alone

In the middle of Exodus there’s a story about a battle between Israel and Amalek. It’s one of those stories we are sometimes quick to pass over. It’s doesn’t necessarily contribute to the larger narrative, and it’s just a few verses in the middle of grander, more memorable stories.

But there’s something unique about this particular story.

Before the battle Moses says to Joshua, “Choose some men for us and go out; fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

The next day, during the battle, Moses stood on the hill and raised his arms in the air. And as long as his arms were raised, Israel was winning, but as soon as he lowered his arms Amalek was winning.

The answer seems obvious enough, Moses should simply keep his arms in the air.

Except, have you ever tried to keep your arms in the air for an extended period of time? While the idea was simple, it required significant energy and stamina from Moses. Energy and stamina that eventually wore off. There came a point when Moses was no longer able to keep his arms in the air.

And so, Moses’ brother, Aaron, had an idea. Moses could sit down, and two men, Aaron and Hur, would hold his arms in the air for as long as necessary so that Israel would win the battle with Amalek.

So, with Aaron and Hur holding Moses’ arms up, Israel went on to win the battle with Amalek.

What’s the purpose of such a story you might wonder?

It’s rather simple, Moses couldn’t do the work alone. He needed Aaron and Hur to come alongside him and help.

In much the same way, the work of the church is never the work of one person; the work of the church always requires the community. It requires everyone to pitch in, even in seemingly small ways.

Grace and peace,Kimmy