Winning a Battle Together is a sermon message taken from Exodus 17:8-16. This passage tells the story of how the Israelites defeated the Amalekites in a battle. We hear many times the saying, “life is a battle.” This moment in time, we are fighting, perhaps the greatest battle as a nation or maybe, the greatest battle the entire world is facing. It is the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
All of us have some types of battles. In fact, it is inevitable that we face various battles and challenges, while we live here on earth. One of the good things to do amidst crisis and in a global pandemic is to make a list of what God is saying to us. God is saying to us that we are one. We live on one planet. The decision and action of an individual would affect others.
We can win a battle together. What are the ways that we should do in order to succeed in life’s battle? 1)Recognize God’s Authority; 2) See the Spiritual Aspect; and, 3) Give Value.
Recognize God’s Authority
In Exodus 17:8-9, “The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.'”
The staff of God in the hands of Moses signifies power and authority. Throughout the story of Moses in Exodus, the staff or the rod played a unique role, especially during the various plagues in Egypt. It is very evident that the staff of God represents power. It also represents God’s authority to perform miracles.
As we fight our battles in life, always remember that God has unlimited power. He has authority over sicknesses and diseases. Let us fully depend on Him. He is able to give us victory.
See the Spiritual Aspect
In verses 10-11, “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.”
Can you identify a spiritual aspect in the verses above? It is the gesture of Moses, lifting his hands. Take note that Moses, together with Aaron and Hur are on the top of the hill while Joshua and other fighters are down there, fighting the Amalekites. The “lifting” of hands” and the “fighting with the sword” are linked together. That’s the spiritual aspect of the battle.
Joshua and the chosen men fight the real battle face to face with the Amalekites. It was a bloody battle. But Moses, together with Hur and Aaron are also part of the battle – on the spiritual side.
Our battles in life have some form of “spiritual” influence. It is the work of the unseen enemy, Satan. In our battle, there is spiritual warfare going on. That’s the reason why we need to be vigilant always. We pray, worship, and go in battle spiritually.
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Give Value
In the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, we can observe key positions and functions. Moses is the leader as well as the intercessor. Joshua is the highest official, fighting on the battlefield. Aaron and Hur are “associates” or helper of Moses. All of them worked together and contributed something to that battle.
Joshua’s group fights the battle. Moses, Hur, and Aaron are on the spiritual side of the battle. Both groups are on the front lines. One group is fighting and the other group is interceding. We can win battles together. What is your part? How can you give value? What can you contribute?
In verse 15, it says, “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.” This phrase refers to one of the attributes of God as Jehovah-Nissi. We can win a battle together because God is our victory. He is our Jehovah-Nissi.
