When faced with a nearly impossible situation, a common initial reaction is often one of a selfish nature. “I have to figure this out for myself,” most people say as they begin their journey for a solution. As time marches on, they realize that “figuring it out for myself” has gotten them nowhere. They could have solved their problem if they had chosen to pray and to cooperate with God and the other people God provided to help them.
Moses and the children of Israel were in a desperate situation. They had crossed the Red Sea and now found themselves in the wilderness without food or water. God had promised to provide for the people, yet they still were not trusting Him. As they entered Rephidim, they came under attack from the Amalekites. The Amalekites had been the long- standing enemies of Israel and were seeking to annihilate them. Rather than panic with this murmuring and complaining group, Moses had Joshua gather the troops and proceed into battle. Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to a hill to watch the battle take place. Moses told Joshua that he would be there with the rod of God in his hand. When Moses’ hands were raised, the children of Israel prevailed, but if his hands fell, the Amalekites prevailed. Aaron and Hur saw this and began to work together to be sure their side was victorious. They slid a rock underneath Moses to give him a place to sit. Then Aaron and Hur stood, one on each side of tired Moses, and held up his hands for him. The Bible says this lasted until sunset. When the dust settled, Israel was victorious!
A little cooperation can go a long way in accomplishing a worthy goal. If Moses had decided, “I have to figure this out for myself,” the children of Israel would have lost the battle that day. We often get that same stubborn mentality stuck in our heads. Things will seem impossible to those who try to work it out on their own, but to those who seek help, first from the Lord, then from others, they will find that nothing is impossible.
In our modern times, children need to be reminded that an important form of cooperation is simply doing their part. Every person can and should contribute to make the whole better. A family cannot function properly if the father and mother are not doing their parts correctly. If the children are not submitting to their parents’ authority, they are not fulfilling their responsibility. If all parts do not work together to make a whole, there will be no complete picture. It even goes farther than just performing your role. It is willingly doing your part. With what kind of attitude does a person cooperate? Attitudes must be willing and positive for true cooperation to take place.
MEMORY VERSE
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” Ecclesiastes 4:9