Scripture
Exodus 17:10-13
10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
Observation
So much to unpack here! Joshua is fulfilling his calling and responsibility, fighting there on the plain. Moses is fulfilling his calling, providing a spiritual covering for Joshua while staying out of his way. And Aaron and Hur are fulfilling their calling and responsibility, strengthening and supporting Moses as he grows weary.
Many leaders would have taken this as their moment to shine, and begun to raise their own hands over the army. Some would have told Moses to take a break, and given him a comfortable spot in the shade for a nap–But Aaron and Hur did neither of those.
They didn’t take advantage of the moment to grow their own platform.
They didn’t offer Moses a lecture on how to improve his posture and muscle tone.
They didn’t try to talk him into taking a sabbatical.
They simply showed up next to him, with a chair and a helping hand until the battle was finished. They provided what they were able to offer, while continuing to support a weary leader whose strength was running out.
Application
Weariness happens: it’s a simple and inescapable reality. And weariness never shows up at convenient moments, like when I have a full day of free time and no commitments weighing on my mind. Weariness comes in the middle of the battle–when rest doesn’t seem to be an option, and the stakes are too high to allow quitting.
I’ve played each role in this story at various times. I’ve been a young and scrappy Joshua in battle, with a seasoned and wise Moses providing a covering over me. I’ve been Moses, caring for a leader under me in the thick of battle–praying hard, trying not to hinder them as the fight rages, and knowing that if I fail them…the results could be devastating.
…And I’ve been Aaron and Hur–watching a leader over me sagging with exhaustion, knowing that if something doesn’t change, many lives could be permanently affected.
Today I choose to offer what I am able to those in authority over me. Not to take advantage of their difficult moments, or to look for self-promotion. Not to reinforce discouragement, or offer a sermon–but to uplift where I’m able, to give support where I can, and to give honor instead of critique.
Prayer
God, thank you for the leaders and shepherds that you’ve placed in my life. Give me the maturity to serve well, instead of making every moment about me and my own growth or progress.
Help me to speak life into those around me, and to discern how I can encourage others toward a ‘win’ in their own calling.
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