In the two stories related in this passage, Moses–the leader of Israel–is carrying the burden of the people entrusted to his care. In the first story, he sends Joshua into battle against Amalek. Moses stands on the hill adjacent to the battle and holds up the rod of God over the battlefield. As long as his hands were held up, holding the rod of God, Israel won the battle. But when his hands came down, Israel would begin to lose the battle. The battle went on for some time, so Aaron and Hur placed a rock for Moses to sit on, and held up his hands when he was too tired to do so for himself.
The second story is the account of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, bringing Zipporah–Moses’ wife–back to Moses and then offering sacrifices to God. The interesting part of the story comes next, though. Jethro sees Moses adjudicating the cases of every person’s disputes all day long. He pulls Moses aside and observes that he will burn out if he continues to judge between the people on every matter. He suggests that Moses appoint rulers of smaller groups to judge between the people on normal, everyday matters. Moses should be consulted only in matters of great importance. With this arrangement, Moses will be able to lead the people without self-destructing from the load.
In every church, there is a key leader: a lead pastor or senior pastor, or a leader over a ministry (youth pastor, children’s pastor, music minister). That leader’s key responsibility is to hear from God and share the vision so that the church can have direction and focus. However, the leader cannot do every task that is required in order for the ministry to flourish. Every leader needs Aarons, Hurs, leaders of 50, leaders of hundreds, leaders of thousands, to come alongside them and carry out the mininstry of the church. Wherever you are in ministry, come alongside your pastor, your leader, and ask what you can do to hold up their arms, to take some of their load. God will help you to make the man or woman of God over you even more effective and powerful in what they do. Be the co-laborer in the harvest that will make the difference!!
Devoted To You 