Let's Hold Hands

DATE: February 13, 2000

TEXT: Exodus 17:8-16

THEME: "Lets Hold Hands"

INTRODUCTION

Incident occurs soon after Israel leaves Egypt. The Amalekites were a warlike nomadic people who would become bitter enemies of Israel throughout its history. Israel was in a hostile environment, engaged in a battle/under attack, and so is the church today.

BODY

I. WHY WE NEED TO HOLD EACH OTHER’S HANDS UP.

A. Because we have a common enemy and we are engaged in a common purpose. They caught a glimpse of the common vision (v. 10); Eph. 6:12 ”our struggle/we wrestle”

B. Because we need one another.

1. If the church is going to be successful we must recognize that we need one another. This need becomes even more evident in the times of hostile attack.

C. Because we, as individuals, sometimes grow weary in the time of battle.

1. Moses became “tired”, his hands grew “heavy” i.e. Heb. kabed - “heavy, burdensome, massive, hard”.

D. Because should be committed to the success of others (Phil. 2:3-4).

II. WHAT WE DO WHEN WE HOLD EACH OTHERS HANDS UP. What did they do for Moses?

A. They helped alleviate his weariness (v. 12).

B. They supplemented his weakness with their strength (v. 12). N.B. They did not accentuate his weakness. Rom. 15:1 We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. I Thess. 5:14 …help the weak…. Gal. 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Bastazw - “to put upon one’s self something to be carried”

C. They enabled him to endure much longer than he would on his own (v. 12) – “steady till sunset”, until the successful end of the battle. emunah – “firmness, steadfastness, fidelity, stability, steadiness.”

D. They facilitated the victory of the entire group and ensured the success of the enterprise (vv. 13, 14).

III. HOW WAS IT DONE?

A. By prayer (vv. 15-16)

B. By practical service (v. 12) “stone”

C. By continuous support (v. 12). “held” is Heb. tamak – “to grasp, to lay hold of, hold, support.”

CONCLUSION

I. The result (v. 13) So Joshua overcame (discomfited KJV) the Amalakite army with the sword.