Supporting the Leader

Exodus 17:8-16 – Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

When Amalek came against Israel, Moses sent Joshua to go out to fight against Amalek. Moses would stand over the fighting with the rod of God in his hand. Aaron and Hur also accompanied him.

It came to pass that as Moses’ hands were lifted up, the Israelites prevailed, but when his hands fell, Amalek prevailed. What an interesting sight to see the fighting between the two as Moses’ hands lifted and fell. Aaron and Hur found a stone and placed it under Moses and they kept his hands up until the sun set until Joshua discomfited (vanquished, weakened) Amalek.

Though the circumstances surrounding Israel’s battle with Amalek may not be applicable to every situation in our lives, there are some lasting principles that can be drawn from it for those that follow any leader:

1. Be available. Moses was able to ask Joshua to fight against Amalek. Had he not trusted Joshua or Joshua not proven himself to be faithful to carry out this assignment, he may not have been asked to carry such an important task. Even if the task may seem small, every bit of our availability helps promote the success of the organization and its people. There are many things within your organization or group that may be asked of you. Even if it is something you may not be accustomed to doing, if your leader believes you can handle it, they would not have asked for your assistance. Be ready and available to help.

2. Be (pro)active. Each organization, church, etc. has a distinct purpose. Often times an organization or group can have many ‘smaller’ purposes to meet an overall goal or focus.

If you see a need, be there to help meet it.

Every leader does not have all the answers and often because the battles of life are waging, cannot stop to focus on other tasks, ask for help, or instruct you on how to perform it. It is during these times that you must take the initiative to canvas your group to see where your help can be most useful. Pray to the Lord to show you where your help can be most beneficial for the leader and group. Ask Him for His help to give you the grace, wisdom, and strength to carry any task to its completion.

3. Be there. It’s often lonely at the top (as a leader). Many times the leader has to stand alone to face the trials and tribulations of the group. They are the ones that come early and stay late. Many leaders will not ask those under them to do the same, but it is a great encouragement when the leader sees that others are willing to stand alongside of them. Even if you don’t accomplish any specific task, it’s good to know someone ‘has your back,’ will stand with you, and even hold a listening ear. Many times the leader will never abuse these individuals, but will respect their time, talent, and other priorities. There should always be a balance of love, respect, and concern for one another (Philippians 2:4).

4. Stay. Many people will support a leader when a task begins, but will slowly lose interest and remove their support. They start strong, but soon turn away, leaving the heavy lifting for the leader to carry alone. Leaving the leader in the midst of a task is just as devastating as not showing up at all.

There are many leaders around you right now that are in need of your assistance. I pray you will be among those the leader (and most importantly) the Lord can count on to help them succeed – for the success of the group is at stake.

Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/TonyDeSantis