Exodus 17

Exodus 17

“And it happened when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. And when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.”

Israel had just finished complaining about wanting something to eat. Now they were thirsty. What did Israel do? They complained! Moses went to the rock and struck it, just as the Lord commanded. The people were well full now, and ready for their first battle.

Moses calls on Joshua to be the commander of the battle. He calls out some men who had never had combat training before. They have gear, but not experience. Moses then proceeds to the top of the hill and watches from above with Aaron and Hur.

Ever wonder what life would be like if we did not have an all powerful God? Ever wonder what would happen to us in our daily lives? Israel was about to experience what it would be like.

Moses was to Israel the law giver, the deliverer, the judge, the leader, and the conveyer of anything that came from God. Therefore he was very much like the Lord to them, in that they were to be completely submissive to what he said. Here is Moses, watching Israel battle from above. As he lifted his rod toward heaven, Israel prospered. As he pulled it down to rest, Israel was defeated.

Praise the Lord! God is all powerful. I consider John 15:5 which tells us, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Without Jesus we are like Israel with Moses’ rod down. We are so easily defeated. Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” With Jesus, we are winning the battle! There is no middle ground.

Where then does this leave us? This leaves thinking, “Why do I not run to Jesus for every trial?” Call on God. Run to Jesus. If you are going through something today, do not allow your pride to stop you from running into the arms of the Lord. Do not be afraid to have someone hold you accountable. Seek your parents, or someone who will point you to Jesus that you might be strengthened. Without Jesus, you will lose the battle. With Him, you can only come out the victor. He is more than powerful enough to take care of us. He is more than willing.