by Abby Knowles, NL Moore & Associates Assessment Director
Moses stands as a figure, a leader, unlike any other in the Scripture. What a journey he had to leadership—nearly unmatched comfort, power, and opportunity followed by exile, inner turmoil, and serious isolation. The Lord used Moses to change the course of history, and his life is such a good reminder to me of hope, redemption, God’s faithfulness, and closeness.
Recently, I have been reflecting on how the Lord literally used the hands of Moses to work miracles and fight battles. As the children of Israel escaped the grip of Pharaoh, Moses was asked to raise his hands over the Red Sea. In that act, God pulled back the water so the 600,000 plus men, their families, and animals could cross to safety. All through that night, it seems Moses held his hands over the water. What a pose to hold! And yet the enormity of the situation had to have his adrenaline pumping. Of course, Moses may have felt like he had gotten the people into this situation, and he would do whatever it would take to get them to safety with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit.
God continued to use the hands and rod of Moses. One account, in Exodus 17, stands out to me. The nation is facing an enemy. Once again, the hands and rod of Moses will be used to lead the people to victory against the Amalekites. Moses will stand above them on a hill and raise his rod and his hands. As long as his hands are lifted, the people will have victory. This unfolds as God has said, but then we see Moses begin to get tired and weary. Who wouldn’t be after all that he and the people of Israel have gone through? Still, the reality is Moses must have his hands and rod lifted for the people of God to have victory. Then we see Hur and Aaron come alongside Moses. Each of them takes an arm and holds it up in order that Moses and God’s people realize victory. Once the battle is over, the Lord tells Moses to write down what happened and remember it. He says, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure Joshua hears it…” (Ex. 17:14a). Tell the story over and over again.
Thousands of years later I am reading this story, and the Lord uses it to speak to me and encourage me during this challenging time in our history. How many pastors and leaders have known the days where it was easy to keep their hands lifted, lead with courage or experience the adrenaline that came from seeing God work and move? How many of those same leaders might find themselves today in a place where they are tired, weary, and in need of an Aaron or Hur to come alongside and help them, sustain them, and uplift them in order for their people to know victory? This battle with COVID is taking a toll.
Of course, there is a reason why the Lord commands Moses to write down this moment and tell it over and over. We all need to be reminded we cannot walk through difficult battles or seasons alone. We need to share our burdens and victories and allow others the responsibility and joy of leading with us.
In chapter 18 of Exodus, right after this battle, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, comes to visit. Because of the testimony about the battle and the word of God’s faithfulness and power, the story spread throughout the region. Jethro, while not an Israelite, comes to acknowledge the Lord, the God of Israel as his Lord. Pretty amazing! There is fruit to be enjoyed as a result of faithfulness.
In this crazy, exhausting COVID season, we know there are so many pastors and church leaders who are hanging in there, mustering up and using all the strength and courage they can to raise their arms and lead their people through it. Just like Moses, I am certain the weariness and physical exhaustion pastors are feeling may lead to some saying, “Lord, just get us through this season, and I will pass the baton.”
To this I say, “Finish strong, share the load, and watch for the fruit.” Let this season become a story and testament to God’s faithfulness to you.
The Moses pose, with hands held outstretched toward the throne of God, is not comfortable. Leading the people of God has never been easy. During this moment in history, it may take all we have in our tank and then some. Pastors and church leaders need to invite others in, in ways they never have before, and ask for help. It may feel uncomfortable, frightening, or vulnerable, but when we share the burdens, we also share the victories. The stories that result from this season will be the stories that testify to the character of our God and build the faith of the generations that follow. There will be fruit because God is faithful. It may take extra hands and all that you have within you, but God promises to be with you. He will be the source of our sustenance and our victory!