Monday, 22 April 2024
AN ACT OF VICTORY
When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword (Exodus 17:12-13 NIV}.
As referenced in our last study, the lifting of our hands to the Lord is an offering to Him, not a mere religious routine as some folks think. It's a ministry. For example, Exodus 17:8-13 gives us the account of the Israelites' battle against the Amalekites.
The Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses instructed Joshua to choose men to fight against Amalek while he went to the top of the hill with the staff of God in his hand. As the battle progressed, whenever Moses held up his hands, the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered them, the Amalekites gained the upper hand.
Aaron and Hur, the two men who were with Moses noticed that every time Moses lifted his hands, Israel had the advantage, and every time his hands dropped, the opposing side prevailed. Moses, unaware of the impact, was informed by Aaron and Hur that the lifting of his hands influenced the outcome of the battle.
Recognizing the importance, Aaron and Hur provided a stone for him to sit on, and they both helped to bear his hands up on either side. By so doing, Israel prevailed against Amalek. What did that signify? It wasn't about the height of the hands; it was the lifting of the hands.
Remember that he had to sit down; when he sat down, the height was reduced. So, it wasn't about how high the hands were; it was the fact that the hands were lifted. With his hands steady until sunset, Joshua overwhelmed the Amalekite forces.
There's something about the lifting of our hands. If you desire to witness continuous victories and triumphs, always praise the Lord with your hands lifted. When you face challenges, declare, "Father, I lift my hands to you against these issues, against the forces of darkness, against those that war against me." This act has the power to paralyze opposing forces! Blessed be God!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I lift my hands to you today in holiness, to bless and adore you for your glory, majesty and grace. I rejoice in you today, knowing that you're the glory of my life and the solid Rock on which I stand. With my hands lifted in praise, I declare that you alone are God; you're the great King of all. Thank you for your lovingkindness, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 63:4; Psalm 141:2; Psalm 134:1-2
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 19:28-48 & 1 Samuel 16-17
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 14:12-23 & Psalm 125-126