Herald of Hope - Trumpet Call Newsletter

The Bible reveals a number of things that God holds in His hand.

A rod of iron: “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Rev. 2:27, Ps. 2:8, 9). Today our nation and many others are being judged and chastened for their national sins. The rod of God’s wrath is smashing our treasured idols (Rev. 19:15).

A sharp, two-edged sword: “Behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand . . . as Commander of the army of the Lord” (Jos. 5:13 , 14 NKJV). Isaiah and the prophets saw the Word of the Lord as God’s wrath in action: “for by fire and by sword will the Lord plead with all flesh” (Is. 66:16). In the New Testament age, the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. John saw a vision of the words of Christ proceeding from His mouth like a sharp, two-edged sword (Rev. 1:16). Jesus is “He which has the sharp sword with two edges” (Rev. 2:12). His word is quick, powerful, sharp and piercing (He. 4:12 ).

A scepter: “But unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy Kingdom” (He. 1:8). The prophet said, “There shall come a star out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel ” (Nu. 24:17). The Psalmist said, “Thy house, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Thy Kingdom is a right scepter” (Ps. 45:6). When we see a scepter in the hand of God, we should approach with reverence and humility. In ancient days if the King did not hold out the scepter to an uninvited guest, that visitor would be put to death (Es. 4:11 ). There are Old Testament accounts of irreverent worshippers who died before God. In the New Testament age, King Jesus calls us to His presence. He will hold out His royal scepter to all who come in sincerity.

A shepherd’s staff: “I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). The shepherd’s crook was used to pull the straying lambs back to the shepherd and to comfort them. The staff was also used to fight off predators and protect the sheep. It represents the divine power and authority of Christ our shepherd. Elisha’s staff was laid on the dead body of a child. Jacob leaned on his to prophesy concerning his sons. Moses and Aaron used theirs in the deliverance of the children of Israel . We need not fear when our Shepherd stands by with staff in hand.

Pastors and churches: “I saw seven golden lamp stands and in the midst of the seven lamp stands one like the Son of Man. . .He had in His right hand seven stars. . .the seven stars are the angels (messengers or pastors) of the seven churches and the seven lamp stands which you saw are the seven churches” (Rev. 1:12, 13, 16, 20 NKJV). (Italics added) It is good to know, dear pastor, that Christ holds you in His hand like a star shining forever and ever (Dan. 12:3); and that He walks in your church.

“The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord as the rivers of water He turneth it whithersoever He will” (Pro. 21:1). “My times are in Thy hand” (Ps. 31:15). We are remembered: “I will not forget thee, behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands” (Is. 49:15, 16). And finally, we see the only things in God’s hands that we have placed there: nail scars. “He showed them His hands and His side” like Thomas, we say, “My Lord and My God!” (John 20:20, 28).