Pastor Appreciation: Letting Your Pastor Pray

Title: The Power of Pastoral Intercession - Pastor Appreciation for David and Karen Flanders

Theme: To show the importance of Pastoral prayer for the church.

Text: Exodus 17:8-16

Exodus 17:8-16 Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. (9) And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand." (10) So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (11) And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (12) 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. (13) So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (14) Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." (15) And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; (16) for he said, "Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

Introduction

Thank you for allowing me to be here to celebrate with you this Sunday. What a honor it is to be here as you recognize Pastor David and Karen Flanders. They have been your pastor for almost 4 years. Every time I have talked with them, they have nothing but good and exciting things to say. My wife and I are thankful for their ministry.

Both David and Karen were active in the church I pastor, Langley COG at one time. I have heard the name Jimmie & Pat Murrell as hard workers around our church. Plus, I David’s mother and my grandmother went to church together. So, we have history.

You Fountain of Life have a precious couple who care for you and love you. This is a great day to honor them and the work they have put in.

If you would I want, you to turn to Exodus 17:8-16. When I was praying about the message for this day the Lord directed me to this passage.

Exodus 17:8 Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

The Amalekites were a wicked and sinful nation. Although they were cousins to Israel through Esau, they did not follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Here in a bit of jealously, after seeing God work many miracles they attacked Israel. Where? In Rephidim (ref-ee-deem') Rephidim means rest.

How did they attack? According to Deuteronomy 25:18 tells us how they attacked. They would pick off the weak ones.

They were cowards. They would attack from the back and from behind. When they least expected it.

The devil is a coward. Roaming about like a roaring lion.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Seeking whom he may devour. His roar is worse than his bite.

We have to remember 1 John 4:4 “Greater his he that is in you than he that is in the world”

You stay in the word and pray he will not attack you head on. You are full of faith. When you are weak from not being in God’s presence, he will attack you.

(9) And Moses said to Joshua, "Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand."

Moses tells Joshua to put together an army. And he (Joshua) does. Joshua does not argue but he trusts Moses. Why? He knew Moses, he had seen Moses walk with God. He had seen the miracles that God wrought at Moses hand.

(10) So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek.

What did Moses do? This is the first question to ask. What is our pastor doing while we are fighting the enemy? While we are fighting the tribulation and trials of life.

And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (11) And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

This is an interesting way to win a battle

Note a couple of things.

First, Moses would hold his hands up. This was intercession before the Lord. Moses was praying for Joshua and Israel as they fought the battle. This is the symbol of intercession.