I attended my first carnival celebration with my mother. It was the first time I had seen so many people gathered in one place. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time. I was excited because of all the wonderful costumes and the excitement of the people. I was fearful because some costumes were very frightening for a boy my age. The reason I stood there and would not run away was because my mother held my hand securely, and as long as my mother held my hand, my world was safe and protected.

As pastors and leaders, we need trusted people around us, who will hold our hands when we are tired and overwhelmed. We need people who are willing to sacrifice their comfort in order to help us and not replace us during difficult times. The Israelites were locked in battle against the Amalekites and Moses, their leader, was on top a hill holding his staff high, as long as Moses held the staff high Israel prevailed, when his hand got tired, and came down, the Amalekites prevailed. Aaron and Hur stepped in and held Moses’ arms up until the Israelites won the battle.

“Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.”  Exodus 17:12 (NLT)

Aaron and Hur did not try to replace Moses. They did not try to convince Moses to allow them to hold the staff, they just held his hand up, and that’s the true sign of a hand holder. Real hand holders are there to support you when you are challenged. They don’t want your position; they want to help you be who God has called you to be. Much was written about Aaron he was Moses’ brother and spokesman who became the first high priest, however not much is said about Hur, he was the father of Bezalel, the craftsman who designed the furniture and artifacts for the tabernacle. Genuine hand holders don’t want to take your place they just want to see you succeed.

Who is holding your hands? Who are your Aarons and Hurs?

Be blessed,

Bishop Jemmott

Purchase Bishop Jemmott’s books and sermons including his latest release entitled “Still Standing” here.