No Small Roles in God's Mission
Read | Exodus 17:8–16 (NLT)
While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”). He said, “They have raised their fist against the Lord’s throne, so now the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation.”
The mission was clear: fight the Amalekites. But when we look closer, we see not just one leader, but many:
Reflection
Wherever you are and whatever position you hold—in the workplace, at home, or in life—God is calling you to lead. It doesn’t matter what the flow chart looks like. What matters is that you have a God-given gifting and calling to make a difference in the greater mission He has placed before you.
Teamwork is what truly makes the dream work. And without your leadership—your obedience, your influence, your faithfulness—the mission would not be accomplished.
Prayer | Father, thank You for reminding us that leadership isn’t about titles but about faithfulness to the role You’ve given us. Just as Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur, and the soldiers each played a part in victory, help us to see the value of our part in Your mission. Give us courage to step forward like Joshua, vision like Moses, and the humility to support others like Aaron and Hur. Teach us to obey quickly, serve faithfully, and lead with influence wherever You’ve placed us. May we remember that the battle belongs to You, and our strength comes from Your hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”). He said, “They have raised their fist against the Lord’s throne, so now the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation.”
The mission was clear: fight the Amalekites. But when we look closer, we see not just one leader, but many:
- Moses led spiritually with vision, directing the plan and holding up the staff of God.
- Joshua led in battle, courageously carrying out Moses’ command.
- Aaron and Hur led by supporting Moses, ensuring his arms stayed lifted so the people could prevail.
- The soldiers led by their obedience, following orders faithfully and engaging in the fight.
Reflection
- What would have happened if one person decided their role didn’t matter?
- Who do you identify with most–Moses, Aaron, Hur, Joshua, or the soldiers?
- How can you see your role as leadership, even without a title?
Wherever you are and whatever position you hold—in the workplace, at home, or in life—God is calling you to lead. It doesn’t matter what the flow chart looks like. What matters is that you have a God-given gifting and calling to make a difference in the greater mission He has placed before you.
Teamwork is what truly makes the dream work. And without your leadership—your obedience, your influence, your faithfulness—the mission would not be accomplished.
Prayer | Father, thank You for reminding us that leadership isn’t about titles but about faithfulness to the role You’ve given us. Just as Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur, and the soldiers each played a part in victory, help us to see the value of our part in Your mission. Give us courage to step forward like Joshua, vision like Moses, and the humility to support others like Aaron and Hur. Teach us to obey quickly, serve faithfully, and lead with influence wherever You’ve placed us. May we remember that the battle belongs to You, and our strength comes from Your hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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