BIBLE READING – Exodus 17:8-16
MEDITATION
Believers face daily battles. Ministry leaders help them learn to rely on God for victory.
Our conflict today is not “against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Moses had learned from previous experience that God fought in the Israelites’ behalf. He trusted in God rather than battle plans or superior fighting capability.
As a leader, your dependence on God is essential to fulfilling God’s purpose. Your example also reminds those you lead that success comes from God and, not only leaders, but everyone must continually depend on Him.
Moses’ upraised staff may have signaled the Israelite army to attack, or might have represented an oath of destruction against Amalek. But most interpreters understand this action to represent reliance on God through prayer in behalf of the people as they fought. It represented his trust in God and reminded the Israelite warriors to do the same while in the midst of battle.
Those in leadership can grow weary, as Moses did, of the labor of continual reliance on God. That sounds strange, but prayer is hard work. It does not happen naturally. Fighting our natural bent toward self-reliance is exhausting. Committing the time to pray and refraining from other activity requires self-discipline.
Just like Moses had Aaron and Hur to help him, people in our lives can challenge, encourage, and assist us to depend on God. These may be pastoral team members, deacons, prayer partners, or friends.
Moses’ uplifted staff became Israel’s rallying standard – “The Lord is my banner.” Confidence in God swelled their hearts and compelled them forward into battle.
Moses’ action lifted their gaze from man to God, from opposition to sure victory. Through their confidence in God they won the day.
As a leader, be careful about cultivating others’ reliance on you. Model dependence on God and encourage them to rally around Him.
PRAYER
Father, help me remember that each day I enter spiritual battle and lead others in war. We cannot do this in our own strength. You are our victory.
I pray for those in my spiritual care. They go to war today. Remind them that you are their source of strength, wisdom, and victory. Help them rely wholly on you.
Give them victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. At the end of the day, may they know success came from you and thank you for it.
You are our banner. We rally to you!
Dean H. Taylor 