This weeks scripture study has given me a lot to think about. I have recognized some of my own weaknesses while learning about the Israelites weaknesses, and it has increased my desire to improve in these areas. That is what I prayed about this morning, my weaknesses and my desire to overcome them. I know that He already knows the areas where I lack, but there is something cathartic about saying it out loud and letting Him know that I know too. I love the fact that my Father in Heaven will listen and love me in spite of my weaknesses and will always encourage me to do better.
Exodus 17
The Israelites will encounter an unprovoked attack by the army of Amalek in this chapter. The Lord shows the Israelites that He is with them through Moses. Moses instructed Joshua to gather an army to fight the Amalekites. Then Moses stood atop a hill overlooking the battle with the rod of God in his hand (Ex 17:9) and He raised his hands toward heaven. As the Israelites began to prevail, Moses’ arms grew tired and he lowered them. The Amalekites then began to win! (Ex 17:11). Noticing this trend, Moses’ brother, Aaron, and a man named Hur, rushed forward to support Moses’ hands so that they might remain raised until sunset and the winning of the battle.
Seeing Aaron and Hur upholding Moses’ arms must have made an impression on the Israelites who had been ready to stone Moses not long before (Ex 17:3-4). Not only would it have shown them that the Lord was among them, primarily by revealing His power and His words through His servant Moses, but it would have been the perfect example of what each person can do to help further the work of God: Support our leaders and each other.
To me Aaron and Hur are the unsung heroes of this story, especially Hur. Aaron will continue to be in the spotlight, but Hur seems to disappear into the shadows from which he came. He is mentioned again in Exodus 24:14: "And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them," and the name Hur appears in Exodus 31:2 when the Lord chooses "Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur" to work on the building of the tabernacle. Even though we aren't given much information on Hur, there are lessons we can learn from him, and people like him, in our own lives.
People Like Hur Are Absolutely Invaluable
The task Hur accomplished that day doesn't sound like a lot to you and me, however, had is not been for the work of this man, Moses would not have had the strength to do his job, and Joshua would never have been able to lead Israel to victory in the battle. To me, Aaron and Hur are the heroes of this conflict. Had they not been there, the battle would have been lost and Israel would have been defeated! The job they performed was absolutely invaluable!
People Like Hur Are Always Involved
Hur wasn't a great leader like Moses. He wasn't a great General like Joshua. He wasn't a great High Priest like Aaron. He wasn't a warrior like those in the army. He was just Hur. We are told later that Hur was a man of influence among the people (Ex. 24:14). However, on this day, there was one thing Hur could do and he did it willingly, actively and faithfully. He could hold up hands and he did the best job he could!
This man Hur is not mentioned before this incident and there are only a couple of others afterward. This is a man who lived in the shadows while others around him received the glory. He was invisible to the crowd, and he was okay with that. He doesn't do the work for the recognition, he does it because he loves the Lord and it's the right thing to do!
People Like Hur Are Always Investors
As Hur lived his life and performed his God-given ministry, others were watching. Some time later, God needed someone to build the Tabernacle and provide a place where the Lord could meet with His people. When the Lord looked down at those millions of Israelites, His eyes settled on one man. It was a fellow by the name of Bezaleel. This man just happened to be the grandson of a man named Hur. Maybe Bezaleel was watching as his grandfather served the Lord. He watched as he took the backseat while others got all the credit. He watched as the Lord used Hur time and again for his glory. Hur, through his example, was able to teach that the wise follower knows that his life is an investment. As we do the little things God gives us, we are telling all those around us that God's work is important in every detail.
Hur understood that when we serve the Lord as we should, we are making an investment in the lives of others. We are making a grand statement about the greatness of our God. However, there is another investment that is taking place. God sees the invisible, He knows when we are involved, He knows that what we are doing is invaluable, and He will bless us for investing in His cause. Every good deed is an investment in eternity (Matt 6:19-21)!
I want to say "THANK YOU" to all the unsung heroes who have positively impacted my life. Your good deeds are recognized, even if I haven't always let you know!
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