People Like Hur

“Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.” – Exodus 17:12

In Exodus 17 we see Israel faced with its first major military threat, the Amalekites. This unprovoked attack was a preview of the kind of struggles the Jewish nation would face as they began the conquest of Canaan. As they engaged in combat, Moses prayed for his army with outstretched arms, as he did before the Red Sea. Moses was providing prayer cover for his people. While his arms were raised, the Israeli soldiers prevailed, but as Moses weakened, the battle shifted. The raising of hands is a common posture for prayer, but an uplifted arm can only be raised so long.

This is where a man who steps out of nowhere, makes a significant contribution and then disappears into the same shadows from which he came. His name is Hur. When Moses became too weary to hold his own hands up, Aaron and Hur stepped up and held Moses’ hands up until the battle was finished. Hur is not even close to the stature of Moses and Aaron. Hur is a man about whom we know next to nothing, yet he enabled an entire nation to see a great victory.

I would like to pay tribute to the many Hur’s in our church and in our faith. People who don’t mind taking a second seat, and often go unnoticed, unthanked and under appreciated. People who perform a function in the Body of Christ that is so vital, but who never get the recognition they deserve. The task Hur accomplished that day doesn’t sound like a lot to you and me, however, had it not been for the work of this man, Moses would not have had the strength to do his job, and Joshua would never have been able to lead Israel to victory in the battle. If Hur had not been there, the battle would have been lost and Israel would have been defeated. Aaaron and Hur are heroes in their own right.

In church today there are still Moses’ and Joshua’s. But for every one of them there are an army of Hur’s who are praying, fasting, and carrying the load so that the leaders of the church can do their work. These people are absolutely indispensable to God’s work. Not everyone can preach great messages. Not everyone can sing like Sarah Brightman or play the guitar like Eric Clapton. Not everyone is a effective witness. But God may have placed us in His church to do an obscure, unnoticed part, that is essential to the proper functioning of the body of Christ.

I am almost sure that there are some reading this today who can relate to Hur. You are dedicated to the Lord, but you are never recognized for your contributions. Let me tell you that you are appreciated. You are the heroes of this church. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you do. I love you and thank God for everyone who is involved in the Lord’s work in whatever capacity because the Lord can and will use you for His Glory.

Discussion Questions:

1. If you found yourself stuck in a bind, what TV or movie character/hero would you call to come help? 
2. Moses was a great spiritual leader. How do you think Moses felt as he sat there tired and struggling to hold up the staff when his friends came by his side and held up his arms? 
3. Read Galatians 6:2: Was there a time when you wanted to fix or change a problem for someone close to you? What did you decide to do and how did that affect the issue or the relationship?
4. What can we do to help carry each other’s burdens this week?