The Vine: October 13, 2026
Our fresh take on The Vine, a devotional based on the upcoming Sunday’s sermon. This is a tool for you to dive deep into specific verses of scripture and get acquainted with spiritual practices. This iteration of The Vine pairs perfectly with the pastors’ “First Glance Podcast.” The Vine: First Glance Podcast is when the pastors sit down to discuss the scripture for the upcoming sermon. It is a wonderful opportunity to prepare your mind and heart for the week ahead. We invite you to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week.
I Commit to Being Present...
“But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set.” (Exodus 17:12)
Being present matters more than we realize. While Joshua and his troops fought courageously against the Amalekites, Moses stood on the hill with his hands raised in prayer. But the story turns on two men we hardly remember.
Aaron and Hur did not fight. They did not give the speech or lead the army. They simply noticed that Moses was tired. So they found a stone. Then they stood on either side of him, and when his arms began to fall, they held them up—not for an hour, but until the sun set. Because they stayed, Moses could keep praying, and the battle was won.
When we join the church, we promise to support it with our presence. Aaron and Hur model what that looks like. Prayer and service both depend on people who show up and stay. Moses’ prayer held because two people refused to leave. Their names are barely a footnote, yet the victory depended on them.
Somewhere in our church and community, someone’s arms are growing heavy: a young parent, a weary caregiver, a grieving spouse, a discouraged friend, an overwhelmed teenager, a volunteer who has given more than they have. Presence does not require the right words. A seat beside them, a hand on a shoulder, a stone to sit on—this may be how God holds them up. Being present gives strength to others and reminds them that none of us is ever alone—Christ, who lived among us, is also there.
An Invitation
This week, look for the weary arms. Sit with someone at worship, visit someone in need, call someone who is struggling, or walk alongside a ministry that needs more hands. Whisper, “Lord, I’m here,” and trust God to hold you both up.
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine