Tucked neatly into five verses in the 17th chapter of Exodus is found a powerful portrayal of a battle-weary, yet faithful Moses. While this passage may have little screen time in God’s narrative, it packs a big message. Let’s unpack it together this week …

Can’t Get Enough Of Hur

“See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship.”

Exodus 31:2-3 NASB

I can’t seem to get enough of Hur this week, so please bear with me as we talk a little more about this seemingly minor character whose actions had a major impact in the story of God’s people.

If you’re still with me in Exodus 17, you can turn to the right in your Bible and you will find in Exodus 31 a man by the name of Bezalel, who was chosen by God to build the Tabernacle. This gentleman is the grandson of a man named Hur, who is believed to be the same Hur that we met earlier this week. Pretty cool, huh? What makes this so cool? I’m glad you asked.

We’ve all heard that “little things” can make a big difference in the lives of those around us, but sometimes I need a little reminder. Hur is a man whom we know was faithful in a seemingly little thing, and it is presumed that his grandson went on to build the tabernacle. Is it possible that Hur was a man who was consistently faithful in little things, leaving a legacy of faith for his family?

Each of us have a sphere of influence. It may be in our homes, our school, our workplace, or our neighborhood. Regardless of where we are, people are watching our response to not only the battles of life but also our day to day. They see how we respond in the little things as well as the big things.

It’s easy to believe the lie that the work we’re doing is not important and that we are contributing little to the kingdom. But I believe, that all we have to do is what God has called us to do. We only need to do the “thing” that He has placed before us, regardless of whether it’s “little” or “big.” Today, my job has been to give extra love to two of my kids who are sick. It’s certainly not worthy of accolades, but today, that is the job the Lord has given me. And because it is assigned by Him, I trust that it is kingdom work.

Friend, someone is watching how you live your life. Your spouse who wants nothing to do with church, sees your faithfulness. Your neighbor sees your kindness and your faithfulness to your friends and family. Your integrity in the workplace does not go unnoticed. Friend, your faithfulness in “little” things can impact generations to come.

Dear God, we thank You for the awesome opportunity to witness to others by simply living our lives. However, we realize the magnitude of this task, and we cannot do it alone. Lord, please help us to be faithful in the big things and in the seemingly little details so that we may impact others and glorify You through the lives that we live. Amen. 

Amazed by His grace,

Traci

Tucked neatly into five verses in the 17th chapter of Exodus is found a powerful portrayal of a battle-weary, yet faithful Moses. While this passage may have little screen time in God’s narrative, it packs a big message. Let’s unpack it together this week …

Little is Big

Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.

Exodus 17:12, NASB

It’s the wash-rinse-repeat cycle of the day-to-day that can leave me feeling a little less than encouraged. In the mundaneness of daily life, I can completely overlook what God is doing around me and fail to notice the opportunity to do the good that He has placed right in front of me.

Of the three men that were stationed on the hilltop, he is definitely the lesser known. In fact, little is known about Hur, the man who partnered with Aaron as they stood beside Moses, keeping his hands raised to heaven as he fervently prayed for the Israelites. I for one, had read this story countless times failing to notice the significance of his actions in this fascinating story.

Hur is a supporting character in this story. He wasn’t a valiant warrior in the battle, putting his life on the line for his country. Nor was he the one entrusted with the staff of God, whose prayers on behalf of the Israelites would win the battle for God’s people.

From the little that we know about him, he was none of those. He was just a regular guy. Much like you and me. However, on that day, there was a job needing done that had been ordained by God, and Hur was ready and willing to do it. When Moses’ arms became exhausted and weary from the battle, he was there.

If there were a hero to be named in this story, Hur wouldn’t get that honor. However, on that day his seemingly “little” actions: rolling up a stone for Moses and holding his arms up in prayer, profoundly impacted a nation for the glory of God.

What is your job today? Are you teaching a room full of children? Caring for an aging parent? Sitting in a classroom?

No matter where you are or what you are doing, the Lord has a job for you. Nothing done in the name of the Lord is insignificant to God.

Dear Lord, we pray that You would open our spiritual eyes to the needs of those around us and that our eyes would be opened to the tasks that You have placed before us. Help us not to miss out on what You’re doing around us. Amen.

Amazed by His grace,

Traci

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Tucked neatly into five verses in the 17th chapter of Exodus is found a powerful portrayal of a battle-weary, yet faithful Moses. While this passage may have little screen time in God’s narrative, it packs a big message. Let’s unpack it together this week …

Can I Get You A Stone?

But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.

Exodus 17:12, NASB

Being stretched beyond our capabilities, our family needed the support and encouragement of others who could come alongside us, helping to meet tangible needs and keep our arms raised in prayer. Was it hard to admit that we needed help? You bet. In addition to the unexpected health issues I was facing, I was also suffering from pride. I didn’t want to admit that we needed help, and I certainly didn’t want our burdens to burden others.

However, all it took was a simple prayer request to those whom we knew would pray for us, and a faithful group of believers came alongside of us.

Warm meals were delivered to our home. Friends took over the responsibility of not only getting my children ready for school but also getting them there and back home again. When my kids ran out of bananas, we found bananas on the front porch that had been left by a thoughtful friend.

Sometimes we get to be Aaron’s and Hur’s. We are the ones who rally around another to encourage them through the meeting of physical needs and praying on their behalves. Other times, like Moses, we are the ones that are exhausted, overwhelmed, and weary from battle and we need help ourselves.

Maybe the battle has left you feeling that way? Maybe you are exhausted and you’re not sure that you have the energy to pick your head up off the pillow or the faith to muster up another prayer? God has never asked us to hold it all together. In fact, His grace is sufficient for us and His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Friend, if that is where you find yourself today, I urge you to share your struggles with a trusted friend whom you know will come beside you and faithfully lift you up in prayer.

If you’re not the one that is on the front lines of battle today, someone you know is. They need prayer, a warm meal, money to pay an electric bill, or just someone to listen. How can you encourage someone today?

Dear Lord, thank You for including this beautiful story of believers lifting one another up when the battle leaves us exhausted. Please give renewed strength to those who are doing battle today, and I pray that You would send help and encouragement their way. Lord, the battle is all around us, please open our eyes to someone who is in the thick of the battle and help us to come alongside and encourage them. Amen.

Amazed by His grace,

Traci