Built to Lastનમૂનો

A Jar of Pickles

Have you ever tried to move a large stone?

Recently, I had the pleasure of removing my driveway concrete with the help of some friends, a jackhammer, and good old brute strength.

By the time we were done, my body had found muscles it had long forgotten.

As we grow older, our bodies do not work the way they once did. We tire, we ache, and it takes longer to recover.

But does that mean we can’t offer our manly strength?

In Exodus 17:8-13, the Amalekites attack Israel, and while Joshua leads the military response, Moses, Aaron, and Hur (all older men) climb to the top of a hill where Moses intercedes for the people.

As long as Moses raised his arms, Israel was winning the battle. But when he tired and lowered them, the Amalekites gained momentum.

I wonder if Aaron and Hur began to feel helpless, but they did what they could.

By combining their strength, these men were able to move a stone large enough for Moses to sit on. That had to be a decent-sized rock for these older guys to handle.

And yet they did it, and Moses continued his role interceding for Israel, and victory was won.

When it comes to our strength as men, we need to remember that little things can make a huge difference.

Opening a jar of pickles for supper, putting your kids on your shoulders so they can see better at the zoo, moving a freezer with a buddy, or even holding the hand of your wife of 50 years to help her balance better, are all little ways God has given us men opportunities to use His gift of our strength.

It was because of what Aaron and Hur did for Moses that God was called upon and Israel was able to overcome their enemy.

So don’t underestimate what God can do through our strength as men, because even though you might not be moving a stone, you may just be the one whose strength God uses to bring blessing to the lives of those around you.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving me physical strength. Help me see it as a gift to use to bless those around me. Amen.

Reflection: What is one way you can use your strength to help someone else today?