Editorial June 17, 1991 Issue

The support we need when we need it

Elaine Natale

Bible heroes are sometimes portrayed as never having felt weak or vulnerable. Yet following their stories carefully, we notice that even some great prophets wrestled to stand strong. They had to understand that their strength came through leaning on God, not through leaning on their own personal talents or on some clever ability to maneuver in challenging circumstances.

The book of Exodus, for example, shows Moses' conscious dependence on God. How could an out-of-favor exile have accomplished the release of the Israelites from slavery? It must have had to do with what God told him when the mission was given: "Certainly I will be with thee."

The rescue of the children of Israel couldn't have happened without Moses' spiritually enlightened understanding. But the carrying out of the mission needed others to share the vision of God's all-power. Aaron went with Moses to help him speak in Pharaoh's court. Later, when the Israelites were attacked in the wilderness, Moses led the battle from the top of a hill by holding up the rod of God to encourage the people to keep fighting. When he became too tired, Aaron and Hur held up his arms for him until the battle was won.

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