The Maestro

Body language is important in many professions. Whether you are an actor, a salesman, a teacher, a manager, a doctor, a counselor, or in law enforcement. However, there is one job in particular that requires a high attention to body language: a maestro. Also known as a conductor, a maestro’s job is to guide the artistic direction, sound, and speed of a musical performance. They have a small tool called a baton in one hand and they use simple, calculated movements such as raising or lowering their arm to indicate how loud or soft to play. They don’t have to yell and scream at the musicians to play louder or speed up the tempo. They simply lead with body language to create a musical harmonious masterpiece.

In the book of Exodus chapter 17, the Israelites are facing a battle against one of their constant enemies throughout the Old Testament, the Amalekites. The people were led by Moses up until this point and this is the first time we see Joshua, the future leader of Israel arrive in the story. “Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” (Exodus 17:9)

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” (Exodus 17:10-13)

In this story, Moses’ body language played a key role to the success of the Israelites in battle. As long as his arms were lifted they were winning, but as soon as he lowered them, they started to lose. In the same way that a maestro’s body language effects the entire symphony, Moses’ physical demonstration of his reliance on God made all the difference in the battle. Putting up his hands was a sign that Israel’s victory came not from their own power and strength, but by God’s divine intervention.

Another point about this passage is that Moses would not have had the strength to endure, if not had it been for the people around him. Aaron and Hur both stepped in to hold his hands up for Moses when he got tired. This shows us the importance to rely and trust in the support of the community of people around us when we feel tired and weary.

Think about your own body language. When you think about God’s love do you cross your arms in anger? Or do you lift your hands in surrender and praise Him for what He has done. If nothing else, God has sent His one and only son to die for our sin on the cross. He paid the ultimate price so that we don’t have to bear the weight of our sin any longer.

Today, let’s be like Moses and align our body language to reflect our thankfulness in the goodness of God and our surrender to His will. It doesn’t mean that all of our problems will go away, but it does mean that we can face our day to day struggles with our head held high in confidence knowing the perfect maestro is on our side. He is orchestrating all things together for our good to create a perfect, harmonious symphony out of our life. (Romans 8:28)

The Bigger Picture: Just like how a Maestro’s body language matters when creating a beautiful symphony, our body language matters in our relationship with God. So stand up straight, hold your head high, and stretch out your hands as a sign of surrender and confidence in God’s perfect plan.