Victory When We Worship

The people of Amalek came and fought with the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men for the battle to go up against the army. What did Moses plan to do while Joshua fought? He would stand at the top of the hill with the staff of God in his hand. Perhaps Moses recalled how God parted the Red Sea when he held up his staff towards it. This was the same staff which God had transformed into a serpent, when he appeared to Moses in the burning bush. Moses was now faced with another battle and his strategy was hands raised towards God. “Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed” (Exodus 17:11).

Moses’s strategy was a good one, but as expected his hands grew tired. They put a stone under Moses so that he could sit down. Also to support him, were Aaron and Hur who held up his hands on either side. “And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword” (Exodus‬ ‭17:13‬). These warfare strategies are timeless and still useful for everyday challenges. Raising our hands towards God, takes our focus off the problems and instead places our reliance on God. The second thing that can be learnt from this story was; it is important to be surrounded by people who can support you when you are weary. You need people who will encourage you to seek God and to trust him more.

We lift Jesus high above our circumstances, in recognition of the fact that there is power in our worship. We also recognise that God gives us the victory when we praise him. When we lift our hands in praise and adoration to God, we will have victory over every situation that comes to test us. There is power when we worship and offer praises to God. As depicted with our hands raised towards Him in complete surrender, we accept that we do not have the power to fight this battle on our own. In thanksgiving to our Jehovah most high, we invite God into our difficulties.

We adore him as Lord and King and hail him as our Prince of Peace, who overthrows kingdoms and causes our enemies to flee. Our faithful God who has never lost a battle and who always causes us to triumph. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John‬ ‭12:32‬).

A.P.-Y.