Heavy Hands, Steady Hands

“But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then 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 one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.” Ex. 17:12, NASB

I had the perfect seat. Occupying a stool near the back wall, I sat out of everyone’s way. Easily I viewed everything going on: old friends chatting and laughing around the corner, family members quietly observing, plus the bride’s friends happily enjoying this exciting event … not to mention the absolutely sweet engaged couple settled on the sofa.

I’ve been blessed recently to attend a number of joyful gatherings. Yesterday at a bridal shower, I was struck particularly by women whose friendships have existed for years upon years. Experiencing monumental moments together like pregnancy and child-rearing, they’ve done life together. Sacrificially, supportively, lovingly, they’ve helped one another through good times and bad. While maintaining contagious senses of humor, their common bond rests in the Lord Jesus Christ. HE binds their hearts together, and HE loves them through each other.

We need each other. Nothing indicates this reality more clearly than the inevitable arrival of life’s difficulties. Certainly we value the presence of beloved friends when rejoicing and celebrating, but there’s something about hardship that especially necessitates their nearness. Just as Aaron and Hur held Moses’ hands up during a battle, Christian friends hold us up…

• when we suffer disappointment
• when we wrestle with sin
• when we experience loss
• when we need a shoulder to cry on
• when we’re afraid
• when we feel alone
• when we (       fill in the blank        )

Of course, JESUS remains the very BEST FRIEND we could ever rely on. Always we should turn to Him first–He never fails to provide all we need. Yet He also designed us for human relationship. Wisely, caringly, generously He created friendship, a blessing intended to give and receive.

Who could benefit from your friendship? Extend this gift and allow Christ to love her/him through you.

Whom do you treasure as a faithful friend? Remind this one how much you appreciate and value her/him.

Friendship doesn’t have to be complicated. Aaron and Hur held Moses’ hands in the air, which doesn’t shout fancy or elaborate. But it met his need. Their diligent action transformed Moses’ heavy hands into steady hands. Sacrificially, supportively, lovingly they helped him … because that’s what friends do.

photo credit: fensterbme via photopin cc