Exodus 17:12 –  When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. (HCSB)

In Exodus 17:9 Moses tells Joshua to go fight against the Amalekites. Usually Moses was the leader in front of the people, but this time he tells Joshua to lead the army while he stands on a nearby hill with God’s staff in his hand. Moses was a man, chosen by God to do great miracles, but still a man. He probably began the day with great energy and joy at holding his arms in the air. Then time went on. His arms begin to go numb. His heart begins to pump harder. He begins to feel sick and dizzy. He needs relief so he lets his arms down. Immediately the army’s triumph becomes tragedy. For the next several hours it was arms up, arms down, arms up, arms down. Moses tries to raise the staff again but his fingers are on fire. Limp noodles have replaced his arms. His toes are in a frozen curl from foot cramps. His knees are beginning to buckle. So, God sends a bolt of lighting and instantly Moses is transformed into a super hero, cape floating in the breeze, and the Amalekites faint in terror. No, God did not send lighting to cause an alteration but friends to give assistance. God did not remove Moses from the hill but sent friends to stand by him, support him, and help him continue. They didn’t fight for the position or try to replace Moses. They struggled to position a rock so Moses could sit but still be seen. They stood and held his arms upright even after theirs began to tire. Doe Zantamata said, “Good friends help you find important things when you have lost them … your smile, your hope, your courage.” Lord, help me today to be a good friend to my spiritual leaders. May my kindness bring a smile, my encouragement give hope, and my prayers build courage.