Sermon Central
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The Rod Of God
Contributed by Jamie Wright on Aug 18, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: Just as Moses had the Rod of God in the OT we have the Holy Spirit in the NT. The Rod was that which God used to demonstrate his power in the OT. He chooses the HS working on our lives today to demonstrate his power
The Rod of God
Pastor Jamie Wright œ Maranatha Fellowship Church œ 08-15-04
Exodus 4:20 and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
Numbers 17:9 and they looked, and took every man his rod.
One of the most devastating and costly mistakes made by some churches of our day is their conscious denial of the working of the Holy Spirit.
Today, many of those mainline denominational churches openly deny the fundamentals of the faith. These churches have degenerated into mere social clubs and religious organizations that are empty and void of any spiritual blessings from God. As a result of their denial of the true ministry of the Holy Spirit, Icabod (meaning the glory of the Lord has departed) has been written over their doors.
A.W. Tozer said, gIf the Lordfs people were only half as eager to be filled with the Spirit as they were to prove that you canft be filled with the Spirit, the church would be crowded out.h
In todayfs era of rapid travel, discussion concerning an ancient, rather obscure and primitive rod or shepherdfs staff seems odd. The rod seems as old as Moses and as lost as a sheep in a wilderness, yet it still has great significance for us today.
I want us to look at the Rod/Staff. Hebrew word gmettehh means Rod or staff. It is an interchangeable word. As we look at the rod in the Old Testament and what it was used for and how it was used, I want us to look in the New Testament at the parallels of the Holy Spirit.
Because the rod (Holy Spirit) is so unfamiliar and foreign to most of us, allow me to dig it up, dust it off and introduce you to this priceless tool.
The rod/staff is mentioned over 250 xfs in scripture.
The Rod of Defense- The shepherdfs main means of defense against wolves was the rod/staff.
David had his staff with him when he went out against Goliath. (I Sam. 17:40)
In the NT Ephesians 6 tells us that we are in a spiritual battle, not a fleshly one. We also know that our weapons are not carnal (fleshly) but they are mighty. Powerful, dynamite. That means they are spiritual. Where does that power come from? The Holy Spirit. So, as the rod/staff was the defense mechanism for the shepherd in the OT, the HS is our defense in the NT.
The Rod of Power- The OT means of demonstrating power came from the rod. It was used in performing miracles. Moses at the crossing of the Red Sea, smote the rock and water flowed, throws it down and it became a serpent and swallowed Pharaohfs magicians snake.
We know that only true miracles come through the POWER of the Holy Spirit. The mere mention of the word power brings an air of fascination, wonder and longing. It is probably the most sought after property or distinction on earth, even more so than wealth, fame or wisdom. How do you get POWER? Real POWER?
Acts 1:8 gYou will receive POWER after the Holy Spirit has come upon youch
The rod of power was held in Mosesf hand, now it can dwell in you. The miracles that Moses performed while using the ROD of God that was in his hand can be experienced by you and me if we will allow the Rod/ THE HS to fill us and give us His power. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and God is All-powerful.
The Rod of Guidance- The rod or staff was used to prod the sheep in the right direction. Sometimes the sheep wanted to get out of line.
All we like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.
The HS then reaches out and brings us back in line, he leads and guides us.
The Lord knows exactly what we face and He knows exactly what we need. He has given us the HS to live within us to guide us.
Romans 8:14 gFor as many as are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God.h John 16:13 The HS will guide us into all truth
And thine ears shall hear a voice behind thee saying This is the way, walk ye in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.h Isaiah 30:21
The HS guides by showing, announcing and declaring things to come. The HS shows and declares and announces the Word of God to the heart of every believer. As believers we must be dependent upon the HS es leadership in learning and in walking in the truth.
The Rod of Comfort/Support- The rod was a long stick with a crook or hook on the top that was an indispensable piece of equipment to the shepherd. It was an aid in climbing hills, beating down the brush, driving off beasts of prey and directing stray sheep.
