Hur Heroes

Hur: A Hero of God

Exodus 17:8-13

I am going to ask some people to stand where they are.

Call up Sue Sellers, Billy Betts, Marge or Bill Suhr, Dave Sellers

Scripture Reading

Exodus 17:8–13 NKJV

8 Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so 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 the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Prayer

Message

In our study in Exodus this morning, we face a very important scene in the life of the nation of Israel. As they journeyed toward the Promised Land, they are faced with their first encounter with an enemy army. The Bible tells us that they came face to face with the armies of Amalek. These people were a nomadic tribe that were a constant thorn in the side of the people of Israel.

Interestingly, the first mention we hear of the Amalekites is in the linage of Esau.

Genesis 36:12 “12 Now Timna was the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These were the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.”

Interestingly, the feud between Esau and Jacob carried over in their offspring to the next generations. A great lesson for our families when we hold animosity and anger between immediate and extended family and the far reaching implications that can come about down the road.

In their first encounter, the Amalekites prove there nature by conducting an unprovoked attack against the Israelites. This prompts the Lord to promise the total annihilation of the Amalekites. That promise was later fulfilled.

It’s quite interesting how the Amalekites attacked Israel.

Deuteronomy 25:17–19 “17 “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, 18 how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God. 19 Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from your enemies all around, in the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance, that you will blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.”

Nothing has changed today. When Satan brings battle to the church, He attacks the weak links, those that are not engaged and are straddling the fence of their faith. May I challenge you this morning to engage in the things of God here at Mt Zion. Find your place of service and gain a sense of family and team as you serve the Lord.

Psalm 62:7–8 “7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”

In this scene from the travels of Israel, we find the great leader Moses mentioned, along with Aaron, as well as the first mention of the future leader Joshua. All of these men were great leaders in the history of Israel and all played a very important role in the early history of this great nation. However, there is another man mentioned in these verses that deserves our attention: his name is Hur. This is a man who steps out of nowhere, does a great work and then disappears into the same shadows from which he came.

People have long looked to Moses and Joshua as great leaders and as role models. Both men are classed, and rightfully so, as true heroes of the faith. However, I would like to say that the real heroes of this particular story are Aaron and Hur. Notice the context. When Moses hands were held up, as a sign of intercession, Israel prevailed in the battle. When Moses' hands were allowed to fall down, Amalek prevailed. After a while, Moses became too weary to hold his own hands up and Aaron and Hur stepped up and held Moses' hands up until the battle was finished. In my mind, they are the true heroes here. Of these two, Hur seems to stand out in my mind. Here is a man about whom we know next to nothing, yet he enabled an entire nation to see a great victory.

There is a dichotomy at work here to accomplish victory.

Both elements are to be operating: (1) the sword in Joshua’s hand and (2) the staff (symbol of divine intervention) in Moses’ hand. Once again divine sovereignty and human responsibility are linked in carrying out God’s will.

Today, I would like to pay tribute to every Hur hero in the crowd this morning.

For you see, the Amalekites attacked from the rear and found the weak links. God uses Hur heroes to make the church at large strong for battle. Amen.

I would like to honor all those Hur heroes who are willing to take the second seat. Those who are willing to make up the second line. People who are often unnoticed, un-thanked and underappreciated, people just like Hur. People who perform a function in the Body of Christ that is so vital, but who never get the recognition they deserve. People who enable the rest of us to do what the Lord has called us, that is those who make up the front line, those who take the first seat, to do.

Allow me to share with you four characteristics of Hur heroes that make them very special to the Kingdom work of God. Today, I want to tell you why I thank God for people like Hur, Hur Heroes we will call them.

I. Hur Heroes Are Absolutely Invaluable (v. 12)

Exodus 17:12 “12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so 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 the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

A. In this story, Moses is unable to hold his hands up, and if they fall, then the Amalekites will certainly win the battle. However, Aaron and Hur step forth and hold the hands of Moses up until the battle is won.

Ill. Utility Trailer/Cotter Pin

Do you realize that something as small as a cotter pin can be the difference in a 3,500 lb. load making it to its destination.

A little boy’s willingness to offer his two fish and five barley loaves was all that was needed to feed five thousand not including women and children.

B. The task Hur accomplished that day doesn't sound like a lot to you and me, however, had it not been for the work of this man, Moses would not have had the strength to do his job, and Joshua would never have been able to lead Israel to victory in the battle. To me, Aaron and Hur are the heroes of this conflict. Had they not been there, the battle would have been lost and Israel would have been defeated! The job they performed was absolutely invaluable!

C. May I say that things haven't changed? In the church, there are still found the Moses', the Aaron's and the Joshua's. There are still those people who get the credit, those who get seen, those who do the headline grabbing work of the ministry, but behind every one of those people, there is an army of Hur heroes. There is a vast number of people who are praying, fasting, and carrying the load so that the first line people are able to do their work. People who pray and seek the Lord's face and lift up the hands of those who are weary in the Lord's work are absolutely indispensable.

Prayer

(⇒ Every now and then I'll preach a message that helps someone. After the service, people will come up and tell me they enjoyed it, that it helped them, that they were blessed. People will try to give the preacher the credit. However, I know that anything good that comes out of this mouth and mind comes from the Lord. I also know that every time I stand to preach, I do so after some saint of God has spent hours before the Lord on my behalf. Nothing means as much to me as the knowledge that some of God's most precious people are holding my hands up in prayer. I want you to know today that I appreciate you. I love you and I beg you not to quit! Please stand in the gap for those who are out in front! The world may never know your name, but if the battle is ever to be won it will be won by the saints of God who are winning the victory in the closet of prayer as they lift up the hands of God's servants.)

(⇒ Even Jesus had some who held up His hands as He ministered, Mark 15:40-41.

Mark 15:40-41 (NKJV) 40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

If the aid of others helped the Lord, then how could anyone think that they could get by without it?)

(⇒ This church would be nothing if it weren't for those people who spent time lifting it up in prayer.

Petty

-setting the air, checking the sound system, turning on the lights, putting the Life Group rolls in each class, counting the people, loading the PowerPoint, buying the supplies and groceries each week for the church, paying the bills, cutting the grass, do I need to keep going?

This preacher would be nobody if it weren't for the Hur Heroes among us. God bless everyone who stands in the gap for God's servants! No price could ever be placed on what people like Hur are worth to the church!)

II. Hur Heroes Are Always Involved (v. 10, 12)

A. Hur wasn't a great leader like Moses. He wasn't a great General like Joshua. He wasn't a great High Priest like Aaron. He wasn't a warrior like those in the army. He was just Hur. The Bible does tell us later that Hur was a man of influence among the people, Ex. 24:14.

Exodus 24:14 (NKJV) 14 And he said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them."

In Josephus’ writings we understand that he could have been Miriam's husband. We do not have biblical evidence to support that. However, on this day, there was one thing Hur could do and he did it willingly, actively and faithfully. He could hold up hands and he did the best job he could!

Ill. Barak’s involvement in your Life Group Lesson today.

Judges 4.

In the Bible, Barak was a military leader who played a key role in overcoming Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, with the assistance of Deborah, a judge and prophetess. Deborah summoned Barak and instructed him to gather an army from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to confront Sisera's forces at Mount Tabor. Hesitant at first, Barak agreed to lead the army only if Deborah accompanied him. With Deborah's support and God's intervention, Barak's forces defeated Sisera's army, leading to Sisera's death at the hands of Jael, marking a decisive victory for the Israelites.

B. What a lesson for the church today! Not everyone can preach great messages. Not everyone can sing solos or play instruments up here on the podium. Not everyone can be effective as a witness. Not everyone can do the visible jobs. However, we need to remember that the Lord has placed us in His body in the place that pleased Him, 1 Cor. 12:4-27. Therefore, whether we are a highly visible part of the body, or an obscure, unnoticed part, we are all essential to the proper functioning of the body of Christ!

1 Corinthians 12:27–28 “27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

(⇒ The whole idea here is that while we can't do everything, we can do what we can do! Remember the words of Jesus to Mary in Mark 14:8. You will remember when Mary came into the home of the leper in Bethany and wiped Jesus’ feet with spikenard oil. Jesus said these words:

Listen to the story:

Mark 14:3–9 (NKJV)

3 And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. 4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.

6 But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. 7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

It isn't important if you can do what others can do, it is important that you do what you can do. Be what the Lord has saved you to be and He will bless your life!)

What you do may be enough that God chooses to make a memorial of your actions. Amen.

C. The main thing to remember before we press on in this message is that there is a great work to do and there is room for all who want to be involved in the Lord's work.Always remember that, like the song says, “Little is much when God is in it!” David had the right attitude about serving the Lord when He said, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”, Psalm 84:10.

(⇒ Thank the Lord for those who are willing to stay out of the spotlight while they serve the Lord. No task is unimportant, especially if it is being done for the glory of the Lord!)

D. Thank God for those people who know they can't do everything, but are determined to do something! Thank God for those who know that God saved them to be more than window dressing. There is always a place in the Lord's work for people who want to be involved, 1 Cor. 15:58; Eph. 2:10.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

III. Hur Heroes Are Often Invisible (v. 12)

A. This man Hur is not mentioned before this incident and there are only a couple of others afterward. This is a man who lived in the shadows while others around him received the glory. He was invisible to the crowd, who could only see Moses, Aaron and Joshua.

(⇒ After the battle, can you imagine Joshua as he led the victorious Israelite army back into camp? I am sure there were congratulations all around, slaps on the back and shouts of “Way to go!”; “Good work, Joshua!” I can see the people as they received Moses back into the camp with shouts and expressions of gratitude. I can hear Aaron as he led the congregation in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for giving them the victory. Then I can see a fellow named Hur as he walks wearily towards his tent to rest. No one pats him on the back, no one tells him that he did a good job. In fact, only a couple of people know what he did that day. To the people, he is invisible, but in his heart, he is overjoyed because he knows that what man does not, God does! While no one in camp is telling Hur that he did a great job that day, the Father in Heaven makes note of Hur's sacrifice and whispers, “Well done thou good and faithful servant!”

B. There are many in our churches today who are just like Hur. They are invisible to the crowds. The preachers, the teachers and the singers all get their pats on the back and hear the people say, “Well done!” People like Hur remain invisible. There are some disadvantages to being like Hur:

1. Hur Heroes often perform thankless tasks - People like Hur work and they labor, yet no one ever says, “Thank you!” It can be hard to keep serving the Lord when it seems that nobody appreciates what you are doing for Him. However, it is times like that which reveal our true motives. If we stop serving God because no one brags on us, then we were just in it for recognition. Jesus had something to say about that crowd, Matt. 6:2, 5, 16.

Look on the screen:

Matthew 6:2“2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

Matthew 6:5 “5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

Matthew 6:16 “16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

2. Hur Heroes work and others get the recognition - The sermon may be great and the preacher may have done a good job delivering it, but behind him were many who sacrificed their time to pray for the message. The preacher gets the credit, and the real workers go unnoticed. Again, this may be hard for some to deal with, but may I remind you that while men may not see all that you are doing down here for the glory of God, the Lord in Heaven is keeping a perfect record and He will one-day reward you for your labor. Notice this: Matt. 10:41-42; Matt. 25:31-45.

Matthew 10:41–42 “41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.””

Matthew 25:31–45 NKJV

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ 41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44 “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

(⇒ Make the contrast between those who do things to be seen and those who do them for the glory of the Lord, Matt. 6:4, 6, 18.)

(⇒ A pastor, writing in Decision magazine, told of an experience he had in Jamaica. He was there with others from Massachusetts to help erect a small cement-block church building.

One day a sudden storm interrupted the work, and he and a Jamaican man named Daniel sought shelter together. As they watched the rain, Eastman asked, “Are you an officer in the church?” “No,” Daniel replied. “I'm the man behind the church.” He meant he was not one to be up front in the church—pastor, teacher, board member—but one who stayed in the background, doing all sorts of things to keep the church functioning.)

C. I am convinced that those who lived like Hur while here below will receive the greatest acclaim in Heaven. I also believe that those who were in the forefront all the time will have the greater judgment, James 3:1.

James 3:1 (NKJV) 1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

Therefore, if the Lord has called you to perform a quiet, godly ministry, rejoice in the call He has extended and let Him use your life as He sees fit! After all, it is His Kingdom and He knows where we are needed far better than we ever could!

(⇒ I praise the Lord for everyone who is faithful behind the scenes! Often, it is the thought of the second line that keeps the first line crowd going! In my own life and ministry, my wife, Jackie, Mitzi, the deacons are an integral part of the details I need to know in fulfilling the ministry needs of God’s people here at Mt. Zion. These ladies are behind the scenes, but keep me in check with Jesus at the forefront of my life and the ministry of His people. The deacons keep me abreast of ministry needs.

(⇒ When William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, felt the call of the Lord to go into the streets of London and begin ministering to street people, he stood in a Methodist Conference meeting and requested permission from the presiding bishop to be released from his church to go into the streets and preach. The bishop heard the request and denied it telling Booth that they would not waste a man of his education and talent on the people of the streets. Upon hearing this, Booth sat down, resigned to defeat. His wife was seated in the balcony, because women were not allowed on the first floor. She stood up and leaned over the rail. She called to her husband and told him to listen to God and not to man. She vowed to stand with her husband against every foe. She came down from the balcony, Booth took her by the arm and they left the building to go into the streets to win people to Jesus. He was ready to quit, but his wife, a lady who usually stayed in the background, stepped out of the shadow of her husband to hold up his arms at a critical time in his life!)

IV. Hur Heroes Are Always Investors (Ex. 31:2)

Exodus 31:2 (NKJV) 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

A. As Hur lived his life and performed his God-given ministry, others were watching. Sometime later, God needed someone to build the Tabernacle and provide a place where the Lord could meet with His people. When the Lord looked down at those millions of Israelites, His eyes settled on one man. It was a fellow by the name of Bezaleel. This man just happened to be the grandson of a man named Hur. My guess is that Bezaleel was watching as his grandfather served the Lord. He watched as he took the backseat while others got all the credit. He watched as the Lord used Hur time and again for his glory. He probably remembered an evening when Hur returned from a hilltop, tired and drained from holding up the arms of Moses. While the rest of the camp was excited about the great victory that Joshua and Moses had worked, Bezaleel probably took note of the fact the it was his grandfather, a man who was willing to serve God in a quiet fashion that helped bring the great victory to pass.

B. What I am trying to get through to you this morning is this: You may not have a high-profile position. You may think that cleaning the church, praying for the services, or teaching your little class is an unimportant function. May I remind you that others are watching? There are people who are not saved who are watching how you serve the Lord in your position. There are little ones who will see whether mom or dad is faithful in the little things. There are no unimportant duties in the church. The wise follower knows that his life is an investment. As we do the little things God gives us, we are telling all those around us that God's work is important in every detail.

(⇒ That's why I believe that we ought to be on time and ready for the Lord's work on Sunday and Wednesday. That's why I think sermon preparation is so vital. That's why I believe that this building should be kept clean inside and out. People are watching! Let's show them that God's business is the most important business in the world!)

-I’m proud of Sue Sellers who teaches 4-6 grade children. I’m proud of Marge Suhr that handles funeral food when those situations present themselves. I am proud of Dave Sellers that records our service each week to be placed on YouTube and FaceBook.

We will have a Community Fair September 21st and there will be many jobs that will not be high profile places of service. I pray you are prioritizing that event and you are going to serve regardless how menial it may seem because no work for the Lord is menial. Amen.

C. When we serve the Lord as we should, we are making an investment in the lives of other. We are making a grand statement about the greatness of our God. However, there is another investment that is taking place. You see, people may not see what you do and you may never get thanked for it here, but God sees and He will take care of you in Heaven. Every deed is an investment in eternity - Mt. 6:19-21.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV) 19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Conclusion

I am almost sure that there are some here today who can relate to Hur. You are dedicated to the Lord, but you are never recognized for your contributions. Let me tell you this morning, you are appreciated. This preacher thinks you are the best! I love you and thank God for everyone who is involved in the Lord's work in whatever capacity.

Maybe some here this morning have thought about quitting. Please, let me say, “Don't!” You are too important to what is being done in this place. You are too vital to the Lord's work. If the devil has been trying to convince you that you are unimportant, let me tell you that you are very important! I would like to see you come before the Lord this morning and renew your commitment to serve Him is anyway that He may see fit to use you.

Maybe you haven't been as faithful to the Lord as you should have been and you wonder if the Lord could use you. The answer is “Yes!” God will use anyone who will make themselves available. Won't you come to Him and tell Him that you are sorry for not serving and that you are ready to do whatever He asks you to do?

Maybe you aren't even saved. I know this hasn't been a salvation type message, but please know that Jesus loves you and that He died to save you and if you want to miss Hell and go to Heaven when you die, then I invite you to come to Jesus Christ this morning and let me show you how you might be saved.

Whatever the need of your heart, you come and let the Lord have His way. Will you do that?

Alan Carr, The Sermon Notebook – Exodus, (Lenoir, NC: Alan Carr, 2012), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "Thank God for Guys Like Hur — Exodus 17:8-13".