Creation to Christ: Reading 19 - August 26, 2016 – Exodus 15:22-17:16, God’s Power and Provision

Today’s Readings

Context 

The Sea parted and Israel walked through on dry ground and there they were. Free at last. And thirsty. And hungry. And scared. As soon as Israel crossed the Red Sea God showed his power and provision to them, his faithfulness.

And Israel showed that they would consistently gripe, complain, and grumble about everything.

They were thirsty, so they complained. God turned the bitter water sweet.
They were hungry, so they complained. God sent manna.
They were thirsty again, and they complained again. God brought water from a rock (a picture of Christ, struck once and bringing forth streams of living water).
They encountered an enemy they couldn't defeat and they complained. God gave them victory.

These early stories show how God faithfully provided all that his redeemed people needed - in spite of their constant whining. 

Devotional - Who Won the Victory? 

So, who was responsible for the victory Israel won against the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8-16?

The "Wilderness Gazette" the next day carried banner headlines trumpeting the military prowess Joshua displayed as he led the out-manned Hebrews against their superior foe. Joshua picked up a sword and went into battle and he prevailed.

But there is more to the story than that. We know from the Bible that Moses was up on the mountain with Aaron and Hur overlooking the battle taking place below. He raised his arms to heaven, seeking the power of God to be displayed. And as long as his arms were extended on the mountain, the Israelites were winning down below. Moses sought God and Israel prevailed.

But Moses could not do it alone. His arms grew tired as he reached out to heaven and gradually they began to fall. When his arms came down the tide of battle turned - suddenly the Amalekites were winning. But Moses had help. Aaron and Hur joined in and raised his arms back to heaven. Suddenly, the victory lost became a battle won.

Joshua went into battle and won. Moses sought God so that Joshua could go into battle and win. Aaron and Hur supported Moses so that he could seek God and Joshua could win.

So, who won the battle? Was it Joshua, or Moses or Moses' helpers Aaron and Hur? Yes. Yes to all. The battle would not have been won without Joshua, or Moses, or Aaron and Hur.

The battles we have to face require a three-pronged strategy. First, like Moses, we must seek God and depend on him. Whatever we are that is good comes as a result of the work of God in us, the work of Chrst for us. Victory comes from God. But none of us is a Lone Ranger. We need love and support, encouragement and edification. We need Aaron and Hur to hold up our arms as we seek God. Christianity is a group activity (it's called "church"). We must seek God and his power, and we need the help and support of other believers. God empowers us to engage the enemy (the world, the flesh and the devil), but we must take those weapons he provides and walk into the fray.

Just as Israel's victory over the Amalekites involved Joshua doing battle, Moses seeking God, and Moses' friends lifting him up when his strength lagged, our success in battle against the forces of darkness requires dependence on the power of God, it requires the support of the Body of Christ and it requires us to actually go out into battle and engage the foe.

Lord, I live in an evil world and my own flesh betrays me. I seek you and depend on you for the strength to soldier on. I thank you for the help of my friends and church family who encourage me in the battle. Thank you that in the fiercest battle, I will prevail when I depend on you.

Think and Pray

Do you complain when life is hard, or do you trust God and rely on him?
Which role do you most often play in the kingdom - the prayer-warrior, the supporter, or the front-lines battler?