When did you meet the person you now consider to be your best friend? What qualities drew you to that person? Depending on your age, the individual you identify as your closest companion may share pivotal life experiences, similar personality traits, or some other bond that connects you for the rest of your life.
Some friendships begin instantaneously, others are cultivated over time, but no matter the circumstances, most of us hold on to true friendships with both hands. True friends are people who encourage, support, and cheer us on or sit quietly beside us in our sorrow.
In Exodus 17, Moses and the children of Israel faced a difficult life in the desert after leaving slavery in Egypt. Not only had their water supply dried up, but they faced a military attack by the Amalekites. Moses gave Joshua the command to prepare for battle, then promised that he would stand on a hill overlooking the conflict with the staff of God in his hands.
Accompanied by his brother Aaron and Hur, a trusted friend, Moses climbed to the top of the hill as the battle was waged. Moses held his arms up in support of the Israelite attack against the Amalekites, but as time went on, he became weary. As soon as he lowered his arms, the enemy began to defeat God’s people. Whenever he raised his arms, the Israelites were again victorious.
Had Moses been alone, the battle may have ended tragically for the people of Israel, but Aaron and Hur stepped into the breach and showed great loyalty to their friend and leader. Recognizing his exhaustion, the two men rolled a large boulder close to him so that Moses was able to sit down and ease his weariness. Even more, the friends stood one on each side of Moses in order to grasp both of Moses’ hands, holding his arms in the air and ensuring a victory over Israel’s enemies.
Sometimes we are Moses, desperately needing strength and encouragement from our friends.
At other times, we are Aaron and Hur, stepping alongside a friend to shoulder their burden.
Whether yours are the limbs heavy with pain or the arms lifting in support, may God grant us the wisdom to recognize and fill that need for a true friend – wherever it is found.
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