September 1, 2024
There have been 49 vice presidents in the history of our nation. From memory, how many can you name? Some, like Lyndon Johnson and Dick Cheney, were known for the power they wielded. Others, such as Garret Hobart and Schuyler Colfax, are forgotten. While the vice presidency is viewed as a limited office, it is imperative that he or she is loyal to the president and is always available for support and a listening ear.
An effective vice president can influence legislation and help the president secure the climate of Congress. Each president, no matter how effective, can benefit from a knowledgeable helper.
Whether you are a minister, deacon, Sunday School teacher or volunteer, there are times when we all could use a helping hand. Some of the greatest heroes in Scripture were tasked with supporting and undergirding those in leadership positions.
The measure of godly help is the willingness to be present when others may scatter. Like all pastors, I have faced situations that seemed overwhelming or burdensome. In each circumstance, the Lord has blessed me with at least a handful of other faithful believers to help shoulder the load. Moses was one of the greatest leaders in history but still needed support. Moses charged Joshua to seek out men to help in his fight with the Amalekites.
The result was Aaron and Hur joining the fight for the glory of God. We should note that even the greatest leaders need help in accomplishing their mission.
Serving the Lord is not for the faint of heart. Total commitment to the work of God requires a dependence on Him and a faith that is strong. In this powerful story, we see how God uses all people to achieve His purposes.
Without Aaron and Hur, the battle would have been lost. If you are the one who is leading, find some folks to stand alongside you when you are tired. If you are one given the task of helping the hands of the leadership, be assured that you are in a critical role for God to get the victory. Take the time to appreciate your pastor and support him.
As God brings up leaders, He expects them to train others to eventually replace them. This is the basic idea of discipleship in the New Testament. We cannot expect the younger generations to be as knowledgeable or as effective as we are if we do not take the deliberate time and effort to mentor and invest in them.
When the time came, Moses entrusted to Aaron and Hur the role of settler of disputes in his absence. Being able to trust others who share your convictions in ministry is a liberating experience. The truest test of discipleship is the commitment to a long-term relationship with Christ no matter the circumstances. Sadly, both Aaron and Hur would fizzle out in their dedication and did not remain faithful. Integrity is what you are when no one is around.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources.
