Today’s Devotion
Topic: From Sin to Rephidim (Part 2)
Text: Exodus 17: 8—16
THE LORD OUR BANNER
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.”
15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.” Amen
Happy Sunday to you, Beloved, we are still at Rephidim where Israel had earlier complained for water till Moses struck the ROCK at the Lord’s command, and they had water to drink.
Now, while at Rephidim, the Amalekites attacked them so Israel had to defend its people. Here are some nuggets from that battle:
1. Israel’s challenges seemed unending; just after one breakthrough, another erupts. We don’t need to give up! However, we must keep fighting on as they did.
2. Just as we don’t know why the Amalekites attacked Israel, so we may never know why some challenges come at us. They come without warning, and we wonder what we may have done to deserve such troubles. Relax dear friend, count it all joy when you are faced with many trials. If the Lord allowed it, then He will make it work for your good.
3. Every leader needs some trusted “Joshua” with equal passion about God and what He wants to be done in His name. So that such ‘Joshuas’ can lead in certain areas where the leader may not be available or endowed to.
4. Every Believer could use a godly mentor (this could even be your own parents or guardian), leader or pastor; whose prayer and obedience to God serve as a spiritual covering and boost for your every endeavour. Just as Moses lifted his hands to Jehovah and Israel was winning, so the godly disposition of such leaders over us definitely supports us through the battles of life till we win.
5. We must also honour and take care of such leaders (as Moses) whose commitment to God in prayer and obedience are relevant to our success story. You see how Israel brought him a stone to sit on. Yes, we must be a lot concerned about their welfare.
6. In addition to the above, we notice that the leader (Moses) whose lifted hands had spiritual significance for Israel as far as winning this battle was concerned, was surrounded by some highly anointed leaders who held his hands high when he was tired. Leaders will need trusted deputies to help them carry the vision on even when they’re tired.
7. Joshua overcame with the army of Israel eventhough the battle was long and took all day. You will also triumph over the enemy so long as you keep fighting on and don’t give up. Though the battle may be long, victory will definitely be yours!
8. The Lord asked Moses to write the account of this battle down as something to be remembered and make sure Joshua hears it. He (God) was not done with dealing with the Amalekites. What this means is, “the battle is won today but it’s not over yet. Until I Jehovah blot them out completely. So write it down so you don’t forget this. And make sure Joshua hears about it because I’ll be using him later to confront these Amalekites again.” Some battles we win and celebrate, may not completely be won yet from God’s perspective. When we see them surface again, it’s His avenue to help us completely overcome. That is why in verse 16 Moses said “the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
So beloved; cheer up and keep on fighting. The Lord is thy banner. Intercession from other believers and your leaders are with you. Even though the way of battle has been long, your victory is inevitable because the battle is not even yours. Begin to pray for strength to keep moving forward while you pray all your helpers to be strengthened by God as well. Jesus has already won this victory for you! See you at church.
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