Pitching In
Pitching In
Exodus 17:9-10, 12b
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. … 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.
One significant reality we rediscover over and over again throughout the biblical narrative is that God always has a remnant among the people of earth and often that remnant is a whole lot bigger than it seems.
Yes, we’ve heard this mixed multitude bicker constantly and blame God for taking them out of Egypt, but Moses is far from alone in his faithfulness. Aaron’s been by his side since day one, and here in verse 8 we meet a man named Joshua who’s evidently developed a reputation for unwavering courage. Notice as well that Joshua doesn’t run after Amalek with a sling and a few stones in Davidic fashion, but he drafts hundreds, maybe even thousands of stalwart brothers just like him who share his resolve. That isn’t all. While Joshua recruits his army of fighters, Aaron recruits another helper, a man named Hur, who’ll stand by his side all night long to help lift Moses’ tired arms until victory over Amalek is complete. Then, add to that the hundreds of unnamed woman and children who are also joining in behind the scenes, bringing aid to the wounded, rushing to the encampment with clothing and food, praying fervently for their brothers-in-arms, and you’ve got a force to be reckoned with. See, the people don’t win this battle by standing behind Moses and watching him wield his miracle staff; they win by joining him in the work—in the trenches, in the kitchens, in the triage tents, on the mountaintops—as they pitch in to defeat Amalek together.
Friend, remember: you’re part of heaven’s remnant today, so raise your shepherd staff in service! Lift up the arms of your elders! Bake meals and bring aid and give words of encouragement to frontline fighters! You’re needed on the battlefield.