A Confident Plan For Victory

A Confident Plan For Victory

Text: Exodus 17:8-16

Introduction

One of the realities you quickly learn is that the Christian life is one of many battles as well as many blessings.

Let us take note: Up to this point, Isreal had not had to fight. The Lord graciously fought their battles for them.

Exodus 13:17 “17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:”

Some genealogy:

Gen. 36:12 “12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these were the sons of Adah Esau’s wife.”

Gen. 36:16 “16 Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.”

They were delivered from Egypt, but will always face battles until the return of the Lord.

1) The Attack Of The Enemy

The atmosphere of being attacked:

Deut. 25:17-19 “17 Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; 18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. 19 Therefore it shall be, when the Lord thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.”

As God’s children, let us always be watching and praying

Matthew 26:40-41 “40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

2) A God Centered Plan

You can rest assured when God presents the path for you (especially when it seems crazy) its a plan where you will witness His amazing power.

Notice the instruction Moses gives Joshua:

Can you imagine what Joshua’s expression might have been?

Notice from where he got his All-Star team:

They were “men”

Unstable at best

Always criticizing leadership decisions

Quick to doubt God’s integrity and ability

To the human mind, WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!

APPLICATION: God uses ordinary people to accomplish the extraordinary work of the gospel (remember who Moses was before God called him)

Notice Moses position

I will stand over the field of battle with GOD’S ROD! (victory comes from God)

This had to be a relief to the heart of Joshua (no explanation needed)

He would lift GOD’S ROD high over the battle field for Joshua and his army to see.

What an encouragement this had to of been to those fighting!

Joshua out front, Moses above them!

Jesus is seen through Joshua as the captain of our salvation.

Jesus is seen through Moses as our faithful intercessor.

3) The Teamwork Of Weak Men

After reading bios of people greatly used by God, I will say to myself, “I too want to live a life that makes a difference for God’s kingdom.”

Let us not take our heart’s eyes away from the three men on the mountain.

John 16:12 “12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.”

1 Cor. 3:1-3 “1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

Take a look at Moses:

Notice the weakness of Moses.

Num. 11:14 “14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.”

Psalm 127:1 “1 Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”

John 3:27 “27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.”

2 Cor. 3:5 “5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”

When Moses hands became heavy, so did Joshua’s.

When praying with real intenseness of mind is a tiresome task.

The rod in Moses’ hands contributed more to their safety than the sword in their hands.

Aaron & Hur

Notice how they found themselves in the place where the greatest need was.

They remained close to their leader.

They were in a great vantage point.

They resolved to be useful (didn’t pray about it or weight out their skills)

WE must reckon ourselves to be dead to sin.

Notice the endurance of cooperation:

It provided stability.

It distributed the weight.

It provided room to breathe.

The reward was a defeated enemy.

IT MUST NOT CHANGE! (v16)

The battles, the work, the weight, the trials, etc. will continue until the Lord’s return.

Conclusion

(v15) Jehovah-Nissi = The Lord is my Banner. Referring to the one who truly did all the work.

Quote: It is fit that he who does all the work should have all the praise. [Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 120). Peabody: Hendrickson.]