Honored To Be A Hur Series

Series: Serving in the Shadows # 2

Honored to be a Hur

Exodus 17: 8-13

Our text today reveals a critical moment in the history of Israel. Following 430 years of captivity in Egypt, Moses had led them across the Red Sea into freedom. They had begun their journey toward the Promised Land and were soon met with opposition. As they journeyed, the Amalekites came against Israel in an unprovoked attack, seeking to destroy them before they reached their intended destination.

The Lord was not surprised by this attack, and even though Israel may not have realized it, God had already prepared them for success. God had already equipped men in places of leadership. They were led by Moses, one chosen of God to provide guidance and direction. His brother Aaron served as Moses’ representative to men and high priest before the Lord. Joshua, the man who would eventually succeed Moses in leading Israel, served alongside Moses as captain of the guard. We are all familiar with these men, having read many passages of Scripture that deal with their lives and work for the Lord. However, we are also introduced to a man in the text that some may not recognize. Although he is not mentioned often in Scripture, Hur was a man whom God used mightily to have a great impact on Israel. He served in the shadows, and yet his obedience was critical to obtaining victory.

Many of you may not be familiar with Hur, but churches around the world are filled with those who possess the same attributes as this faithful servant. In fact, I am certain there are many Hurs among us today. I want to examine the impact he had in this critical situation. Let’s consider the attributes he possessed as we think on: Honored to be a Hur.

I. Hur’s Position (10) – 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. Here we discover an important detail in regard to Hur’s life. Although he wasn’t chosen of God to lead Israel out of bondage, to serve as high priest, or captain of the guard, he was found in his place. His is mentioned alongside those who were known and recognized of the people. His position was overshadowed by men who served out-front, and yet Hur was happy to be used of the Lord in whatever capacity He chose.

God has gifted each of us differently, but we all have a work to do. We all can’t serve in the same position. Everyone can’t serve as pastor, music director, deacon chairmen, or Sunday school superintendent. All are not equipped to teach, sing in the choir, or play an instrument. We all have varied gifts, talents, and abilities, and we all need to be found in our place. The outcome of this situation could have been much different if Hur were not willing to serve where the Lord had placed him. It takes everyone being in their place of service, faithful to the work, to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the church!

May I encourage you to serve faithfully wherever God has chosen to use you? At times you may feel your task is unnecessary or unimportant, but that is never the case. It takes all of us being in our place for the church to operate effectively. Be faithful to the positon you were given!

II. Hur’s Potential (11-12) – And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. [12] 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. There is much that we could consider in this verse. Moses sat on a stone as he surveyed the battle taking place below. This is a picture of being settled on the Rock of Jesus Christ. Lifting his hands pictures dependence on the Lord in prayer and our worship of Him. I want to consider the role Hur played in this critical moment. He didn’t possess the qualities of leadership the other men had. He wasn’t in a place of authority, and many would assume Hur had little impact on the situation. I see it from an entirely different perspective. Although Hur’s work and position wasn’t as noticeable, he possessed great potential for the Lord. In fact, his contribution greatly impacted the outcome of the battle. He contributed what he could and God honored his faithfulness. Had he not stood alongside Moses, holding up his hands, Israel would have suffered defeat.