Friday, January 21, 2011

The Right Hand of God

"And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting til His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified."
(Hebrews 10:11-14)

Oh my goodness! If we could only grasp the magnitude of this verse!

Before the sacrifice of Jesus' blood for the atonement of sin, the priests of the Tabernacle had to make sacrifices daily! Their sacrifices were not lasting - they served the purpose of forgiveness and reconciliation with God for only the moment. Their sacrifices could not change the heart.

But Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God died once and for all. His sacrifice was complete - perfect and entire, changing the hearts of men and setting them apart in righteousness.

Verse 12 contains something very telling and, I think, fascinating. It reads, "But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God..."

To begin with, what did Jesus' sitting down imply? Yes! That's it! He was finished. His sacrifice was sufficient for the forgiveness of sins for all peoples - FOREVER!

Have you ever wondered about God's right hand as opposed to the hand of God? Is it significant? Yes! I want to share some insight I received from Beth Moore:

"God's right hand purchased the hill country where He led His children (Psalm 78:54).
God's right hand displays awesome things (Psalm 45:4).
God saves by His right hand (Psalm 17:7).
God's right hand holds me (Psalm 139:10).
God's right hand gave His children the land (Psalm 44:3).
God's right hand planted the vine (Psalm 80:15-17).
God instructs us to remember the years of His right hand (Psalm 77:10)."

God's right hand is the vehicle by which God releases His power!


Now, I hope this will thrill your soul as much as it thrilled mine. Beth goes on to say, "Notice that each reference is ultimately fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who sits at God's right hand:
Christ is the saving hand of God.
Christ is the One who holds us, who said, 'No one can snatch them out of my hand' (John 10:28).
Christ is the One who teaches us through His Spirit - the One whom Mary called Rabboni (John 20:16).
Christ is the One who leads us to the holy mountain of God and who purchased our promised land with His own blood.
In Christ's resurrection God displayed His mightiest work.
Therefore, we must remember the years of the One who sits at God's right hand." (Beth Moore: "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place".)

Gotta love Beth Moore! Isn't her insight a blessing?

I've said this before and I'll say it again: the intricacy of God's Word astounds me! The way the Lord weaves the Old and New Testament together is powerful - solid - convincing. The fulfillment of His Word...? My goodness. The fulfillment of His Word is found in ONE word: JESUS.

Jesus.
This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.
Praise His Name!

Thank You Father! We praise Your Name for Your saving power, for Your work of righteousness so that we might know You. Thank You, Lord. And thank You for Beth Moore who has taught us and blessed us. Return to her one-hundred fold all that she has done for the Body of Christ. We love You, Lord.

2 comments :

  1. Awesome, Nan! And it's the "Hand of God" in judgment, we should warn people about. That hand is just as mighty and strong and fearful. I want to be at His "Right" Hand!! :)

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