Lifting One Another's Arms Up

"And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so 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 the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword." - Exodus 17:11-13

We are fooling ourselves if we believe that we can live our new life on our own. God never intended it. I know the Bible says that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, but then I see that Moses need help from Arron and Hur to win the battle against the Amalekites. Am-a-le-kites or is it Amal-e-kites? No matter - Moses needed some human help. We can get weary in this life can't we?

We have the Spirit of God in us, but then God has equipped each of us with certain gifts to create the synergy of the Body of Christ. Each of us can do somethings, but none of us can do everything. That does not keep us from trying. But in God's economy there are no Lone Rangers.

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are directed to pray for one another, encourage one another, and build one another up. That does not mean that you do a spiritual "drive by" and shoot some scripture at someone as you pass by. It means that you engage other Christians with compassion. The second greatest commandment - love others - that cannot be accomplished without first obeying the first greatest commandment. - love God.

"Bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ"- Galatians 6:2

It means that we comfort one another in their affliction. 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

It means when we ask on Sunday mornings, "How are you doing?" we really want to know. And at the same time, we answer the same question truthfully.  I recall leading a men's prayer group years ago. I asked the men to share prayer requests. One man said he would not because he would hear about what he said from people that were not in the room that night. His point is that he did not trust the people in the room to respect his being vulnerable in the group. My point is that it is an honor and privilege to share the burdens of other Christians.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Confess it - Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone