Thursday, May 1, 2014

Working Together in the Body

I had the privilege last night of sitting in my husbands Bible class.  They are studying Exodus, chapter 17 to be exact.  As Moses is leading them to the land of Promise, they encounter the Amaleks.  Joshua is enlisted to lead the fighters while Moses climbs far above the battle with two others to rally the troops when they falter.  As long as Moses keeps his staff held high, the Israelites prevail.  But his arms grow weary and as he lowers them to rest, the Amaleks advance against the Hebrew children.  

A solution is found in the two men who have climbed the hill with him.  Aaron and Hur find a large stone for him to sit on and they stand on either side to hold his hands steady as he continues to grip the staff for all to see.  The Israelite army takes heart at the sight and are victorious.

There are many lessons we might find here.  But the one which struck me last night was the fellowship of these men.  One man, the mighty Moses, chosen by God to lead his children to their new home, and the others; the soldier, the priest and the unknown man.

We as the body of Christ work together in much the same way.  Some are called to be at the forefront of the battle, leading a public way.  Others are like Hur.  Who, you ask? He is not known for much more than this simple act of devotion and support.  He was there when he was needed.  He was of the tribe of Judah, and we see his name in connection with Aaron once a few chapters later (Ex.24:14.)  He fills an important role, then disappears, it would seem.  

But what if he had insisted on holding the staff himself?  Or refused to hold Moses arm (I can't imagine a less desirable position on a long, hot day!)  Or what if he had simply said, 'I'm not important today, think I'll sleep in?'

You see the picture I'm drawing here?  He was essential to the success of God's people.  Quiet, unimposing, unassuming Hur.  But his contribution to the victory of that day was unmistakeable.  

Do you think you are unimportant?  Do you feel that you don't do much, have many talents, give anything of value to the body of Christ?  You are wrong.  We are each an essential part of the end picture. . . No person is unimportant.  If we want the local church to be successful in the battle for souls today, fighting against the evil of the world, we must BE there.  Dressed, prepared, for whatever God has for us.  
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.  ~ Titus 3:1-2

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