- ✪ Operation HASTEN
- -5 Heeding the Times
- -4 Awakening a Sense of Urgency
- -3 Shouldering Responsibility
- -2 Overcoming Obstacles
- -1 Encouraging Burden Bearers
- 0 Nurturing the Faith of Jesus
- H Highlighting Present Truth
- A Activate the Youth
- S Separate from Babylon
- T Train in True Education
- E Evangelize the Cities
- N Nurture Christ-Like Characters
The next mindset in Operation HASTEN is encouraging the burden bearers. One of the most powerful examples is found in Exodus 17, where Moses held up his hands during the battle. As long as his hands were raised, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, the battle turned against them. Seeing his weariness, Aaron and Hur took a stone, placed it under him, and supported his hands. They were steady until the going down of the sun, securing victory for Israel.
“And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”
Exodus 17:11-12
This story illustrates the crucial role of supporting the burden bearers. Even Moses, chosen by God to lead and intercede for His people, grew weary. It was Aaron and Hur who provided the necessary strength and encouragement for victory to be secured. We, too, are called to be like Aaron and Hur—lifting up the hands of those who are carrying heavy loads so that the work of God may move forward.
The story of Nehemiah also teaches us about unity and shared responsibility in the work of God. Some were building the wall while others were guarding and protecting those who were building. Without this cooperation, the wall would never have been built.
“And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.”
Nehemiah 4:16-17
Ellen White speaks to this in Ministry of Healing, reminding us that many have never borne real burdens and cannot understand the work of the true burden bearer. Often, their efforts are only appreciated when they are gone. We are reaping the fruit of others' hard labor, and there is no greater joy than to encourage those who work tirelessly.
“Many have borne so few burdens, their hearts have known so little real anguish, they have felt so little perplexity and distress in behalf of others, that ">they cannot understand the work of the true burden bearer… Bitter experience has given him knowledge… The work of many a burden bearer is not understood, his labors are not appreciated, until death lays him low. When others take up the burdens he has laid down, and meet the difficulties he encountered, they can understand how his faith and courage were tested.”
Ministry of Healing (MH 483.3)
We are called to support and uplift those around us who are shouldering heavy responsibilities, to bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Just as in Nehemiah's time, each of us has a role to play in God's work. Whether we are on the frontlines or supporting from behind, our unity is essential for the work to be completed.
“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
Are we truly appreciative of the burden bearers around us? Are we, like Aaron and Hur, lifting up the hands of those who lead and serve? Or are we simply sitting back, waiting to be fed while others labor in the field? Let us examine our own hearts and ask: Are we contributing to the cause, or are we hindering the progress?
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to recognize and appreciate the burden bearers around us. May we be like Aaron and Hur, lifting up the hands of those who are weary. Give us the strength and willingness to support and encourage those who labor tirelessly for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.