Exodus 17:12a – “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. . .”

I recall sitting criss-cross-applesauce on the floor spellbound as my Sunday School teacher placed the felt figures on the flannelgraph board. The background featured a mountain top upon which were placed Moses, a rock, and Aaron and Hur lifting Moses’ arms that gripped the rod of God. I was all ears as the teacher recounted Israel winning the battle with the rod of God raised in the air, but Israel faltering as Moses’ arms became weary and he lowered the rod.

Many years have passed since I sat on that floor, but the mountain-top adventure remains fascinating. The protection of a mighty God is woven throughout this story, along with leadership, trust, service, and God’s love. But looking at it with adult eyes renders new questions. If this story seems remote in your memory, stop and read Exodus 17:8-16.

The main characters, other than mighty Jehovah of course, are Joshua the brave commander, Moses the spiritual leader, and Aaron and Hur, the lifters of Moses’ arms. However, might there be other key players in this story, because I find myself intrigued by the rock movers? Exactly who moved the rock under Moses? Perhaps it was Aaron and Hur, but in my mind I visualize them as way too busy with the critical task of holding up Moses’ arms, aware the trajectory of the battle could quickly switch. Perhaps the rock movers were those men not chosen by Joshua for battle. At any rate, whoever moved the rock most likely felt their deed to be a simple, no brainer, non-mentionable event.

However, we serve a Big God who can take even our small rock-moving moments and magnify them to His glory. So, when Moses recounted to Joshua all that happened, the rock-movers were included, for their simple deed held great significance in the victory. Joshua fought, while Moses prayed with Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, and “THEY” moved a rock, allowing a weary man of God to rest.  All these, under the protection of mighty Jehovah God, claimed a part of the victory that day.

We must never overlook the importance of our small gifts of service. Not all of us are called to be brave leaders, but we can all, regardless of our circumstances, be rock-movers. Moving that rock took no preparation, little time, and no follow-up, yet played an important role in victory. Likewise, the small deeds we do for others can be magnified by the Lord to His glory. And who knows which of our small deeds will lead someone to a victorious life in Christ?

Father God, help us remember the importance of the small gifts of service we place in your hands.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane