Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
The Israelites had to cope with hunger and thirst in the desert, and they were not very patient. Now, though, there is another threat: a hostile tribe, the Amalekites, attack them. Moses stands on a hilltop with his arms outstretched in prayer; as long as he does so the Israelites prevail, but when his arms fall the Amalekites gain the upper hand. He is given a stone to sit on and Aaron and Hur, the priests, hold up his hands so the Israelites are able to defeat their enemies.
This is a very rich story. It speaks of the importance of real, heartfelt, costly prayer in anything believers undertake. The Israelites were not professional soldiers, but God gave them victory because Moses prayed. It also speaks of the need for leaders to be supported in what they do. They are not superhuman, there to remove responsibility from their followers (and take the blame if things go wrong). 'Leadership' in the Church today can often seem idolatrous; we tend to look to our leaders to solve our problems, rather than working in partnership with them under God.
Moses built an altar to commemorate the victory, calling it 'The Lord is my banner'. By the end of the day, he would have been as exhausted as the fighting soldiers. But he gives the glory to God, not to himself.
God, help me to look to you first in all I do, and never to think I can succeed in my own strength. May I be willing to seek help from other people when I need it, and to offer help when others need it from me.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor