The walk that Moses has to this point has been fascinating. And it’s all been down to his obedience to the One who has given the divine call.
He is rescued at birth from state-sponsored infanticide in one of the powerful countries in the known world. The infanticide is conducted against his people who have settled in the country … by the royal family who instituted the infanticide. In looking to reconnect with his people having been brought up in the system, he’s rejected and forced to go on the run having committed an act of murder against a representative of the state. After decades in the wilderness, a divine call instructs him to go back to that same super power and demand that the oppressed people be released.
The super power initially resists, but the one who gave the divine call uses him to inflict ten signs to show the super power that there’s a greater power. This sufficiently moves the not-so super power to release the people. To reinforce the point, when they try and go back on their word and bring back the freed people and return them to slaves, the One who gave the divine call uses him to deliver the people from the not-so super power’s grasp and they witness the final wipe out of the ones who had enslaved them for centuries.
Even when the freed people constantly complained about the lack of food and drink, the One who gave him the divine call used him to provide for them abundantly. Moses is very much used, then, to relying on that One who gave him the divine call in all kinds of situations. This proves to be particularly useful when the people called Amalek come along to violently oppose the progress of the freed people of God. When the enemy comes against them, here are some things to not about how Moses expresses this reliance on the One who gave him the divine call.
He delegates. Moses does not take the burden on himself. There are already key people around him that he can entrust for key duties. He has the wisdom to appoint Joshua to look after the physical element of the conflict. When Moses takes a strategic position during the conflict, he also ensures that Aaron and Hur have his backing.
He instructs. Joshua’s instructions are clear from Moses. The basis is strong for him to engage in what is the country’s first military conflict since being released from Egypt. Moses is also clear on what his task is while the battle rages. It’s about right people in the right positions following instructions. Moses now has the track record to have credibility giving instructions, because his walk with God has been one of obediently following instructions. This foreshadowed the Son who would be obedient to the One who gave the divine call and that obedience marked Him out as the example for us to follow.
He takes a stand. There are reasonable questions we can ask about Moses’ role in the battle: What’s with all the hands raised in the strategic position? Who is it for? Is it for the army? Is it for the opposition? Is it for God? What’s fascinating is the role of the staff of God. This is the staff that was used for the signs in Egypt. This is the staff that was used in the crossing of the Red Sea and elimination of the Egyptian army. This is the staff that was used in the provision of water from the rock when the people were complaining about drink. Moses taking a stand and using this same staff is a connecting point between the people and the one who has given Moses the divine call. The same faithful way in which the One brought about deliverance and victory is the key to this conflict. It’s not primarily about Moses, the staff, the soldiers – the focus is on God to bring about the same victory as before. There may be significant items or memories that work in a similar way for us, triggering such memories can bring us to that place of assurance in the victory that God alone can usher in. It helps, however, if we likewise can take a stand in those challenging circumstances of life.
He receives support. Moses is not alone in taking a stand and raising the staff. This is is pivotal as time passes and the battle rages on. He cannot take the stand alone. He cannot keep his hands upraised. He needs the support. Only by this support can he continue his role. Only by this support can the connection remain. Essentially only by this support is the victory brought about. For it’s only with this support that the focus is kept on the Lord of hosts who not only gives the divine call, but is right on time for the needed push for victory.
He ensures the memory remains. This episode in the journey of God’s people is not to be forgotten. It’s not to be dismissed as just another element of the journey. This episode of God coming through for the people again is to have a memorial. Those who would utterly oppose those called by God have a curse placed upon them by God. This is something that God takes seriously. This episode is something Moses takes seriously not just by keeping a record of the incident that would be passed on for generations afterwards. Moses marks the occasion by ascribing to God another title expressing how He reveals Himself in the circumstance – Yahweh Nissi – the Lord is our Banner. The Lord is the visible expression of who we identify with and as a result we are under Him and His protection. Circumstance by circumstance God reveals Himself to His people – the issue is whether we are able to recognise this and give to God the glory He deserves.
Can we share the memorial too not just for us, but for those who would come after us, seeking to follow the One who gives the divine call?
(Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 