And it came to pass
William MacDonald teaches that persistent prayer and intercession are vital spiritual weapons in the believer's ongoing battle against the flesh and the enemy.
In this insightful sermon, William MacDonald explores the powerful biblical account of Moses’ uplifted hand during Israel’s battle with Amalek to reveal profound truths about prayer and spiritual warfare. He emphasizes Jesus Christ’s role as our eternal Intercessor and encourages believers to engage faithfully in prayer as a vital weapon against the flesh and the enemy. Through vivid illustrations and scriptural exposition, MacDonald challenges Christians to understand the impact of prevailing prayer in their personal lives and missions.
Text
“And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:11)
Israel was in conflict with the forces of Amalek. Moses was on top of the hill,, overlooking the battle field. The position of Moses’ hand spelled the difference between victory and defeat. The uplifted hand turned Amalek back. The lowered hand turned Israel back.
As long as Moses’ hand was raised, he pictured the Lord Jesus as our Intercessor, “for us His hands uplifting in sympathy and love.” It is through His intercession that we are saved to the uttermost. But from then on, the type breaks down, because our Intercessor’s hand is never lowered. No fatigue causes Him to need outside help. He always lives to make intercession for us.
There is a second way in which we may apply this incident, namely, to ourselves as prayer warriors. The uplifted hand pictures our faithful intercession for those believers who are engaged in the spiritual conflict on the mission fields of the world. When we neglect the ministry of prayer, the enemy prevails.
A missionary and his party on safari had to spend the night in an area infested by brigands. They committed themselves to the Lord’s care, then retired. Months later when a brigand chief was brought to a mission hospital, he recognized the missionary. “We intended to rob you that night out in the open country,” he said, but we were afraid of your twenty-seven soldiers.”
Later, when the missionary related this in a news letter to his home church, one of the members said, “We had a prayer meeting that same night and there were twenty-seven of us present.”
When our God beholds us there,
Pleading in the place of prayer,
Then the tide of battle turns,
Then the flame of conquest burns,
Then the flag of truth prevails,
Foes slink back and Satan quails!
Then the faltering wail of fear
Turns to victory’s ringing cheer!
Bring us, Lord, O bring us there,
Where we learn prevailing prayer.
Then we can see another insight in this incident. The Lord swore that He will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Amalek is a picture of the flesh. The Christian must wage ceaseless warfare against the flesh. Prayer is one of his principal weapons. The faithfulness of his prayer life often spells the difference between victory and defeat.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of Moses’ uplifted hand in Israel’s victory
- The symbolism of Jesus as our eternal Intercessor
- The difference between Moses’ fatigue and Christ’s continual intercession
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II
- The role of believers as prayer warriors in spiritual battles
- The impact of faithful intercession on mission fields
- Illustration of answered prayer protecting missionaries
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III
- The ongoing war against Amalek as a symbol of the flesh
- The necessity of ceaseless warfare against the flesh
- Prayer as a principal weapon in spiritual conflict
Key Quotes
“As long as Moses’ hand was raised, he pictured the Lord Jesus as our Intercessor, 'for us His hands uplifting in sympathy and love.'” — William MacDonald
“When our God beholds us there, Pleading in the place of prayer, Then the tide of battle turns, Then the flame of conquest burns.” — William MacDonald
“The faithfulness of his prayer life often spells the difference between victory and defeat.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Commit to consistent and faithful prayer as a vital support for those engaged in spiritual battles.
- Recognize Jesus Christ as the eternal Intercessor who empowers believers to overcome the flesh.
- Engage actively in spiritual warfare by using prayer as a principal weapon against temptation and the enemy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Moses’ uplifted hand represent?
It symbolizes the Lord Jesus as our Intercessor whose continual support ensures victory in spiritual battles.
Why is prayer described as a weapon in spiritual warfare?
Because persistent prayer supports believers and can turn the tide against the enemy, much like Moses’ raised hand influenced the battle.
How does this sermon relate to missionaries?
It highlights the importance of prayer support for missionaries, showing how intercession can provide protection and victory in their work.
What does Amalek symbolize in this sermon?
Amalek represents the flesh, against which Christians must wage continuous spiritual warfare.
Is Christ’s intercession ever weakened like Moses’?
No, Christ’s intercession is constant and never falters, unlike Moses who grew tired.