Saturday, November 19, 2016

THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S

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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