FOR HANDS WERE LIFTED UP TO THE THRONE OF THE LORD
EXODUS 17:8-16
Based on this episode, many "Aaron and Hur Prayer
Societies" were formed to pray for pastors and other Christian leaders in
the 19th century. It was believed that as the spiritual life of the
pastor went, especially in prayer, so went the success of the spiritual battle
in the church. So, people banded together to uphold their pastor in prayer and
to intercede for the health of the church.
The picture in Exodus is vivid: The typical posture of
prayer in the Bible is to stand with arms lifted and hands held out. Added to
this picture of supplication is Moses’ staff, the symbol of divine power and
conquest. As Joshua leads the troops in battle against the Amalekites in the
valley below. Moses stand on the hill above and holds out his staff over the
battle. When his arms are raised and the staff is held out, Joshua’s army
prevails; when Moses tires and the staff is lowered, the Amalekites prevail.
So,
Aaron and Hur come alongside Moses to provide a rock for him to sit on and to
hold up his arms.
The imagery of spiritual warfare in this story is also
vivid. The battle always belongs to the Lord; we succeed only as we are "strong
in the Lord" and in his mighty power"
(Ephesians 6:10).
Prayer is one way we continue to stay strong in God. Only
through an ongoing relationship with the Lord can we stay vigilant and fight
the battle (see Ephesian 6:18). And prayer is never a solitary exercise, even
when we pray alone, we pray in the fellowship of the church, the body of
Christ. Paul urged the believer in Rome, "by our Lord Jesus Christ and
by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me"
(Romans 15:30).
Hold up your pastor in prayer. Leaders need protection and encouragement to keep on praying.
In Christ,
Playwright
Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible
Stories Theatre of
Fine
& Performing Arts
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