“Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’ So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword… And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner.” Exodus 17:8-13,15
"Commander, soldier, hold arms high, Each is needed in God's eye To fight the fight that He's ordained; His banner leads, He proves His reign."
A foreign enemy attacks, and the God who is never surprised sets His people in place to take charge, lead the charge, and support. He issues directions through His servant leader as His banner waves above and before. We do not know all Moses said, but we know he stood with steady hands to preside over the battle. We know Joshua fought, that Aaron and Hur upheld their leader’s arms, and that God Almighty brought the victory. “With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” (Exodus 14:13-14; 2 Chronicles 32:8)
In God’s grand scheme of battle between good and evil in this world, He appoints His people to take their places and do their part. We battle not against flesh and blood but against principalities only He knows and understands. He strategizes, determines our specific roles, and supplies the strength, wherewithal, and armor. (Nehemiah 4:17-18; Esther 4:14; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:13,19)
Where is the Lord calling me to command as He directs, to lead with careful eye and heart? Where can I come alongside to fortify leaders with practical help, sustenance, or encouragement? Where does He want me on the front lines doing battle with sword, tool, or prayer? And as He gives the victory, how quickly and fully will I thank Him?
“Stand up, stand up for Jesus
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
his army he shall lead
till ev’ry foe is vanquished
and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger
and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.” ~George Duffield (1858)
Lord, wherever called to duty or do battle, keep me zealous and faithful, to Your praise.
As the rain and snow 