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.
Many serve behind the scenes throughout the world today, but their willingness to use their potential affects those around them. Businesses have CEO’s and spokesmen who receive a lot of attention, but the success of their business relies upon those laboring behind the scenes. Consider a newscast. All we see are those who serve as anchors and reporters, but there are many more technical people behind the scenes making it all possible.
You may feel you don’t have much to offer, but using the potential you have makes a tremendous difference in the ministries here. You may serve as a greeter, and have the ability to connect with people. We may have a visitor who is struggling and simply needs to encounter someone who cares. Your gift may be prayer! That isn’t shown much outwardly, but we all know the importance of prayer. Use whatever potential you have for the glory of God and the good of the church. We can’t do what God has called us to do without your contributions!
III. Hur’s Participation (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. Aaron and Hur stayed up the hands of Moses. This was critical to the success of Joshua and those who fought the battle. I know it seems elementary, but Hur’s participation was critical. Had he just stood there and not been willing to hold up Moses’ hands, Israel could have lost the battle.
Potential without participation is of little value. The church needs those who recognize their potential, their giftedness, and are willing to actively use those gifts for the Lord. I want to challenge you to use your gifts in service to the Lord. If He has gifted you with the ability to sing, join the choir. If He has given you the opportunity to teach, prepare a lesson in order to honor the Lord and edify others. If He has gifted you with the ability to share your faith, be a witness for Him. If He has called you to be a prayer warrior, lift up others in prayer. I certainly need to be lifted up in prayer; we all do! The service of Hur paints a beautiful picture of one lifting up the Man of God in prayer. That is vitally important today. Potential without participation is of little value! Luke 12:48b – For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
IV. Hur’s Persistence (12b) – and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Hur continued to use his potential until the task was complete. He did not abandon the work until victory was secured. He knew he was serving in a critical role and he was determined to be faithful until the task was complete. No doubt he got tired. Can you imagine standing with your arms up all day while holding up another? Exhaustion must have set in, but Hur was determined to finish the task. He knew failure was not an option. The survival of Israel depended on his work.
Many discover their potential, and even begin to participate in a given task, but they lack persistence. Many start out with great enthusiasm, but fail to complete their assignment. I am sure Hur wondered at times that day if his work would end in victory. It would have been easy to have given up, but he persevered. Often we are tempted to abandon a particular task if immediate results are not reached, but we must be faithful to the task we have received. Noah preached for 100 years, and yet only his family believed. Jeremiah preached and prophesied for 40 years, and as far as we know, no one turned to the Lord.
Potential and participation are essential, but without persistence you may never experience victory or see any fruit. Many abandon the task just before God sends the victory. Where would any of us be if Jesus had refused to go to the cross to atone for our sin? Aren’t you glad someone was persistent in prayer for you? Aren’t you glad those who founded Fellowship didn’t abandon the work when things got difficult? I know a man who was saved in his mid-seventies. Our home church prayed for him for 50 years. Where would he be today had someone not been persistent? James 5:16b – The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Phil.3:14 – I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
V. Hur’s Prosperity (13) – And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Hur was in place, realizing his potential, participating with persistence, and he enjoyed victory. Joshua and the army of Israel was victorious in battle and Hur had played a significant role in that victory. He used the abilities God had given, and he prospered because of faithfulness.
I appreciate those who are willing to endure the difficulties long enough to experience victory. Struggles of life are prevalent and they will remain as long as we live. If you are looking for a reason to abandon the work, one will be easy enough to find. I urge you, don’t throw in the towel too soon. There is a work to perform for the Lord. We must continue in the fight if we are to experience victory. 2 Tim.4:7 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
May I share my heart this morning? I truly believe Fellowship is on the verge of great things for the Lord. He is at work among us and has much for us to accomplish. The need is greater than it has been in our generation. We need those who are willing to stand in the gap and make up the hedge. We need some Hurs to remain faithful for the Lord. We cannot abandon the work. There is too much to accomplish and too much at stake. Will you join me in a renewed commitment to finishing the task we have been given? There will definitely be some storms and struggles along the way, but there is no place to give up or quit. Jesus gave His best for us! Surely we can commit to using the gifts He has given in service to Him!
Conclusion: Scripture teaches that every believer is gifted of the Lord. He provides these to equip us for service. Fellowship needs those like Hur; those who are willing to serve faithfully, even in the shadows if necessary, to accomplish this great work for the Lord. Are you willing to make a renewed commitment to the Lord for service? Were you once active and participating, but through doubt or discouragement abandoned your position? The Lord desires you to assume your post. Fellowship needs all hands on deck. Come and renew that commitment today.
If you are unsaved, never having received Christ as your Savior, He stands ready to save you today. In fact, He wants you to be saved and of use for Him. Come as He leads!
