665. EXO 17:11, EXO 17:12. THE HANDS OF MOSES HELD UP

Exo_17:11, Exo_17:12. The Hands of Moses Held Up

"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he laid down his hand, Amalek prevailed," &c.’97Exo_17:11, Exo_17:12.

God was pleased to employ various means, under an inferior dispensation, for the punishment of the wicked.

In some cases he sent famine’97in others, fire from heaven’97in others, pestilence; and in others, war.

The Amalekites, as a wicked nation, had filled up the cup of their iniquity. They now exhibited their hatred to God’s people, by making war against them; Exo_17:8. Moses adopted means for the defence of the Israelites; Exo_17:9. Our subject exhibits the moral power which he employed on the occasion. Observe, in the moral use of this event,

I. The cause of God is opposed by bitter and violent enemies.

These enemies, in the case of the text, were the Amalekites; in our case they comprise,

1. The powers of darkness.

Satan and his host. Enemies full of hate, and envy, and revenge. Fierce, restless, combined, powerful, and persevering. Numerous, as our poet says,

"They throng the air, and darken heaven, And crowd this lower world."

Satan is the leader, the captain, who is described as a roaring lion, &c. We read of his wiles, and of his fiery darts.

2. The wicked of our world.

Every man is for or against God, and the truth. Hence, all infidels and deniers of the truth. All scoffers and profligates. All corrupters of the pure doctrines of the Gospel.

All formalists, who hate spiritual religion, &c.

Now, the spirit and influence of all these is against God, and his cause, and people. With these, therefore, we have to maintain a spiritual and continued conflict.

Observe,

II. The direct means by which our warfare must be conducted.

Moses, in this case, stood on the top of the hill, and lifted up the rod, &c.; Exo_17:9. See Psa_110:1, Psa_110:2.

1. Let us consider the rod of Moses, as typical of the word of divine truth.

Hence, Paul says, the gospel is the "power of God," &c. The rod of Moses was the symbol of authority and power. It had wrought, in his hand, many marvellous works. It is called the "Rod of God." Exo_4:20.

Having smote the waters of the Nile, they became blood. It had been stretched over the waters of the Red Sea, when they, too, divided, &c. It had smitten the rock, and waters gushed forth, &c. God’s word is one of majesty and power. It kills, or makes alive. How terrific its threatenings! How glorious its promises! How it slays the wicked, and saves the righteous!

Now, this is the only weapon to be employed in Christ’s cause. He sent his apostles forth with this. Hence, the "weapons of our warfare are not carnal," etc. No sword’97or statutes’97or fines. No earthly power’97no coercive means to make people good, etc.

Observe,

2. The spirit in which it is to be employed.

Moses, in the spirit of believing devotion, held up the rod, etc. Just so, must the word be preached. The full, pure word, in the spirit of prayer. The apostle says, "Take the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God," and then he adds directly, "praying always, with all prayer."

(1.) The word should be read in this spirit. Hence, David, "Open thou mine eyes that I may behold," etc.

(2.) Should be studied in a devotional spirit. That we may be preserved from error and confusion. That we may see the truth in all its fulness and harmony.

(3.) It must be preached in this spirit. Not expecting it should edify and save, on account of our style of composition, or mode of address, or order of arrangement; but on account of its inherent life and power, and the blessing of God. Prayer and the word must not be separated, etc. And believing prayer may be encouraged from,

(1.) Nature of the word. God’s truth; and, therefore, adapted, etc.

(2.) From its numberless trophies. What has it not achieved!

(3.) From the promises of God concerning it. One shall suffice; Isa_55:10, Isa_55:11.

Notice,

III. The essential aid the Church of God may afford in the accomplishment of this warfare.

See Exo_17:12. "And Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands," etc.

(1.) Observe, this aid was necessary. Moses was not sufficient. His hands fell down, and then the enemy prevailed.

(2.) Observe, this aid was cheerfully afforded. No unwillingness. Their hearts were identified with Moses and his work.

(3.) This aid was efficient. "His hands were steady," etc.

Now, all Christians in the Church are culled to imitate Aaron and Hur.

(1.) Sunday-school teachers hold up the hands of the ministry, by rearing the young, and bringing them to the house of God, etc.

(2.) Tract distributers, etc.

(3.) The Temperance laborers, as John the Baptist, prepare the way for the gospel of the kingdom.

(4.) The liberal man, who deviseth liberal things, etc.

(5.) The active member, who exhorts and invites, etc.

(6.) The spiritually-minded, who exhibit the beauties of holiness’97who are lovely and attractive, etc.

(7.) The fervent devotional believer, who holds up the ministry and cause always, before the throne of God, etc.

Learn,

1. The true position of the Church of God, in a state of conflict.

2. Our great encouragement.

God’s presence and blessing. His great promises, etc. Observe,

3. Our individual duty.

Are we working for God, and souls, and eternity?

4. The enemies of God must perish, &c. The triumphs of truth and the Cross are certain; but still always in connection with the agency God has set up, and has promised to bless.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS