Daily Devotions
Exodus
"Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last." Isaiah 48:12
Text: Exodus 17 : 10-11
THE MAKING OF A FUTURE LEADER
Joshua accepted his commission as the head of the military without hesitation. He may have been young and inexperienced, but he knew and trusted Moses. He had seen the miracles that God had shown Israel! He served a great God! Why should he be afraid of the Amalekites? If the army of Egypt could be defeated, why should he fear the Amalekites? Their power was inconsequential!
“So Joshua did as Moses said to him,
and fought with Amalek.”
EXODUS 17:10A
THE WAGING OF A SPIRITUAL BATTLE
Moses knew that there was another battle to be fought! This battle was not against flesh and blood! He must enter into this battle and emerge victorious! He cannot afford to lose this battle.
“And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed;
and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.”
EXODUS 17:10B-11
The battle with the Amalekites was not going to be a walk-over for Israel! Their enemies were ferocious and they were seasoned warriors! Israel was new to warfare. Joshua was also new at leading an army – and his fighting force had never engaged an enemy in real battle before!
Both Moses and Joshua had to learn their lessons quickly and well! Spiritual battle was as difficult as the physical counterpart. Both were exhausting. As Moses watched the pitched battle from the hill, he realised afresh just how vital the spiritual role was! His success or his failure in spiritual battle would directly affect the outcome of the war against Amalek!
NECESSARY SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND SUPPORT
Praying is hard work! So much more is at stake than is realized or understood! Let us consider some of the things that Moses had to battle with!
1. Obvious physical tiredness
Moses had to intercede for Joshua and his army as long as they were embattled! A battle against the Amalekites would take more than just a few short hours!
2. Mental stress and strain
Prayer involves the mind as well! Moses must have tremendous mental energy to pray with meaning and significance! Body and mind are conjoined in prayer-battles
3. Spiritual strength
One can only guess at what Moses had to battle with as he exercised his faith in prayer. How the evil one must have resisted his prayer efforts! Strength is necessary!