SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO HELP THE MAN OF GOD

PROCLAMATION

“… When Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, one on the one side and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady ...”  Exodus 17:11-12 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These are the words of God which were revealed to and written by Moses under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  While they were in the wilderness, the Israelites wandered from place to place as The Lord God directed them.  When the camped in Rephidim, there was no water for them to drink and again they began to murmur against Moses. (Exodus 17:1-3)  Then Moses prayed unto The Lord and He said, “… smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it …” (Exodus 17:4-6)  While they were camped in Rephidim, the Amalekites came and attacked them. (Exodus 17:8)  Moses sent Joshua and some of the men out to fight them.  He said that he would stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God and raise his hands. (Exodus 17:9-10)  Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill with him.  While his hands were held up, the Israelites were winning; but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites prevailed.  By raising up his hands, whether in prayer or praise, Moses acknowledged that The Lord God is in control.  When Moses grew tired physically from holding up his hands, Aaron and Hur helped him by giving him a rock to sit on and by holding his hands up.  Ultimately, Joshua and his men defeated the Amalekites. (Exodus 17:10-13)

 

APPLICATION

Pastors, preachers, ministers, and all men of God are human and from time to time they need a little help.  They may need physical help during illness, or periods of weakness; or they may need psychological and emotional support.  Even the strong men among us occasionally needs, and appreciates, a little encouragement. (Deuteronomy 1:38 and 3:28)  We have heard about “the Amen corner” in church, that small group of supporters who offer encouragement to the preacher when he is presenting The Word of God.  They do a good work.  Telling him that the message he delivered helped you, can mean a lot to the man of God.  A kind word spoken to him every now and then can help him to keep on going. (2 Chronicles 10:7)  Actually, it is The Holy Spirit of God who is doing the work but He is using and working through him.  There is a special blessing in store for those who even give the man of God a glass of water. (Matthew 10:41-42)  When we help him, he is able to help others and advance the kingdom of God.