February 3- Help!

February 3, 2011

Exodus 17:8-19:15; Matthew 22:34-23:12;
Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 6:27-35

Help, I need somebody,

Help, not just anybody,

Help, you know I need someone, help.

When I was younger, so much younger than today,

I never needed anybody's help in any way.

But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured,

Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the door.

~The Beatles

Exodus 17:8-19:15

In the year 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from the British monarchy.  As part of a young struggling community, the colonists had decided to fight for the right to govern themselves. This declaration required the pledge of lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. 

Unfortunately in the thick of battle, the colonists found themselves overwhelmed and in need of outside help.  With winter upon them and desertion rates increasing in the Continental Army, General George Washington prayed for Divine guidance and Divine intervention.

Washington's prayers were answered in the form of help from France.  A man named Pierre Beaumarchais set up a dummy corporation to conceal the fact that the French were buying munitions for the Americans.  The French also sent over military experts to help train the troops. If it weren't for the help from the French, America would not be an independent nation today.

In todays reading, Moses needs help in a battle and he gets help from God and from the people of Israel.  Away from Egypt and on their own in the wilderness, the Israelites find themselves confronted by the Amalekites.  No longer slaves, they have the freedom to stand on their own two feet and fight!  One gigantic benefit they have is that God is on their side.  Moses is told to hold up his shepherd staff and God will fight for them.  Moses does all that he can in his own strength to help the Israelites, but Moses gets tired.  He is at the end of his rope.  His own efforts can take him no further. 

Can you imagine worrying about people dying if your arms are too tired to keep lifted?  Thankfully, Moses' brother Aaron and a man named Hur come along side Moses and hold up his arms.  This is a beautiful picture of what all of us need in this world.  Do you have times in your life when you just can't do it alone anymore?  You have fought the good fight, but you are out of ammunition. Look around.  Realize that God is with you. God will provide you with people to "hold up your arms."  God will provide the help because God is on your side. Aaron and Hur are a great example of how we should be available to help carry the burden of those around us. If we have the ability to help others, we are obligated to do so. This is the work of God. Do you realize that service to others is a form of worship?

Moses finds himself in another situation where he needs help.  As the people settle in, Moses is the person to whom they bring all of their conflicts.  He is the judge and arbiter.  Once again, this is too large a load for one person to handle. Moses' wise father-in-law, Jethro, who the story indicates is a believer in the One True God, advises Moses to find honest, wise men who will not accept bribes to become judges over the people.  Moses follows Jethro's advice and reaps the benefit of shared responsibility. 

As we watch this nation of Israel form under godly principles, it is good to learn that shared responsibility is a principle that works!  Do you delegate in your life?  Do you realize that in your marriage or work it is a blessing from the Lord so that you do not have to carry the load all by yourself?  Are you humble enough to accept help? On the flip side, are you willing to be a person who helps lift the load of others?

Matthew 22:34-23:12

One common problem that middle school and high school teachers face is classes with students who are there just to give the teacher a hard time.  Their real interest is not in learning, but in making the teacher's life difficult.  Sometimes they will ask questions in hopes that the instructor will be unable to answer the question. This will cause the teacher to look like a fool and lose credibility with the class.

The Pharisees and Sadducees are like middle-schoolers in todays reading. They are trying to punk Jesus so that he will lose credibility.  They ask him what the greatest commandment is. They expect him to choke, but he is unfazed and able to tell them that loving God and loving people tops the list.  

Jesus then decides to punk them.  He asks them how it is that the Messiah is David's Lord and is also David's son.  They have no answer.  Jesus has weakened their credibility. Jesus admonishes the crowd not to follow religious leaders who are just out for a show.  They want to look religious, but do not truly know God. 

He tells them not to call anyone "Father" in a religious sense. Only God is your father. Also, do not call anyone "Rabbi" or teacher.  Only the Messiah is the teacher. Finally, do not call anyone "Master."  Only the Messiah is your master.  Jesus warns us about giving our religious leaders undo loyalty and position. Whether it be an imam, shaman, catholic priest, or your local preacher, Jesus warns against elevating human religious leaders.

Do you make the mistake of thinking that religious leaders are actually more spiritual than you because of their position? Do you consider your pastor or bible study leader just another brother or sister in Christ who is fallible?  How can you heed Jesus' teaching today?

Psalm 27:7-14

I love the part of the psalm that says "Come and talk with me,"  then my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming." 

This psalm then states, "You have always been my helper."  This fits so nicely with what we talked about today.  Let God be your helper!

Proverbs 6:27-35

Being in an adulterous relationship is like scooping hot coals into your lap.  You're gonna get burned, baby!

What did you see today?  Let's talk.

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal

Kathy Fullerton