Working with People

Thomas ‘a Kempis said this in his writing The Imitation of Christ:

Obviously, he experienced the same pressures of ministry that we face today.  While it is so easy to find yourself depending on people, it is true that people are not totally dependable.

Lessons from Aaron and Hur (Part 3)

Aaron and Hur played an important part in the Israelite victory over Amalek–even though it is very possible that the army below had no idea that they were instrumental in the victory.

How did they contribute to the victory?  Obviously, they held up Moses’ arms so that the rod of God could remain elevated.  It is important to note that Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms–they weren’t hanging off of them.  They didn’t add to Moses’ burden.  They were not coming to him with their needs and advice in the midst of this battle.  They were humble and willing to take this lowly and inglorious position, near Moses’ armpits.  They were submissive, not trying to usurp his position or change the battle plan, or give orders.  They honored his position of authority.  They held his arms steady until the end (sunset).  They didn’t back out when things got harder.  Their job was not particularly pleasant–it was a hot, miserable and definitely tiring job.  Not to be disrespectful, but holding up Moses’ arms could have put them in the position where the odor was unpleasant, to say the least.  Serving their leader required them to die to self.

For their part, Aaron and Hur probably had an amazing perspective on the battle.  They were seeing God’s intervention first hand.  And they had the satisfaction of knowing that God had used them in a small way to help gain the victory.  The credit and glory belonged to God–but what an honor to have been a participant!

Lessons from Aaron and Hur (Part 2)

Moses could not do it alone.  He physically couldn’t keep that rod of God elevated for the time required for the Israelite army to prevail in this battle.  Every servant of God needs those who will stand by and support him/her in the ministry.  I wonder if Moses specifically invited Aaron and Hur to come with him…or did they just accompany him to the top of the hill because they wanted to be there should he need their help?  Did they have any idea what might be required of them?  Sometimes our leader’s biggest need is our availability.   Our physical presence at the time of need gives us opportunities to serve as the need arises.  Aaron and Hur were not only present, they were observant to the leader’s needs.  They saw Moses’ physical need for rest and assistance.

How does this translate to us?  If our leader is going in early to set up or make early preparations, does she need to invite you to be there and ask for your help?  Or, are you there, regardless, available to help in whatever capacity she needs you?  Are you being observant to needs she may have?

(For more on Aaron and Hur, go to Part 3)

Lessons from Aaron and Hur (Part 1)

In Exodus 17:8-13, we read of the battle of Israel with the army of Amalek.  Moses stood at the top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand.  As long as Moses held up the staff, the Israelites had the advantage; but when he lowered the staff, the Amalekites gained the upper hand.  When Moses’ arms became too tired, Aaron and Hur, who were with him, found a stone for him to sit on, and then they stood on either side of him, holding up his arms and keeping the rod of God in the air.  Somehow, holding up the “rod of God” was significant to the outcome of the battle. As a result, Joshua and his troops crushed the army of Amalek.

There are many lessons to be derived from this event, particularly for those of us who work beside our pastor’s wife or another leader in the women’s ministry.  First, we need to recognize that it was not Moses that gained the victory;  it was God, working in their midst, as symbolized by the rod of God which Moses held up.  The rod of God indicated that Moses looked to God alone for the victory and did not trust in man.  Victory depended on the power of God.    But, of course, Moses on his own, got weary.  So Aaron and Hur coming alongside Moses at this critical time made the difference between victory and defeat.

Moses was the one the people looked to and recognized as their leader.  He had a great burden of responsibility–to hold his hands in the air, elevating the rod of God, until victory was achieved.  And yet, he was just a human being.  He got weary; his arms grew weak.  He could not do it alone.

This relates to our leaders.  God has put one (perhaps our pastor’s wife) in leadership of the women’s ministry, and the ladies recognize her authority.  They look to see her leading them, and feel secure when she is present and in charge.  But she cannot do it all by herself.  Your leader may have a young family or aging parents to care for; she may have a full-time job, deal with chronic illness, or have other permanent or temporary issues which also demand her time and energy.  She needs those to come alongside and “hold up her arms.”  (For more on Aaron and Hur, go to Part 2)