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The Shining Scepter

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday

Jul 072010

Submitted by Rose McConnell, Ft. Leavenworth, KS

We have talked and sung about the Kingship of God, and we have looked at ourselves as princesses this year, but we have not talked much about the image of the scepter, so I ask you to go with me for a bit. We look at the scepter as something that is extended to us (like Ahasuerus [Xerxes] scepter extended to Esther), or even extended for us as we walk in Christ’s authority (represented in Col. 2:9-10 and Eph. 2:6). But let me propose another way to look at the scepter. As I looked at the word in Hebrew (the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice) — shevet, I found it is translated in a number of ways into English. It shows the symbol of authority in the hands of a ruler.

It is the same word used in Psalm 23:4 “your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

It is the same word used when describing how to make Aaron’s priestly garments – the breastplate on the ephod, which has a stone for each of the twelve tribes – the word tribe is shevet. Exodus 28:21

The most common meaning of shevet is “tribe,” because each of the twelve tribes of Israel had originally been shepherded by a rod or staff.

So, this symbol of authority, of power, is also a symbol of protection for the sheep, and the authority of God in the people of Israel – His chosen people walk in His authority. If we are the spiritual offspring of Abraham, ones chosen by God to walk in His authority in His kingdom – is it not possible that WE are the scepter that the LORD is extending? As He is sending you out to other places, as he is keeping you in place to nurture another group of people coming from all over the world – we are His ambassadors – we are His scepter, that He is extending to the world – the Kingdom of God is at hand – it can transform your life, it can transform those around you – we can live in His victory and His power.

Arise! and Shine!

ARISE from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life! SHINE, be radiant with the glory of the Lord, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Isaiah 60:1 AMP

As we are extended out into the world, we are that city on a hill that cannot be hidden, we are the ones to shine out God’s light and love into a dark and lonely world, to draw others to God and bring him glory as we reflect Him, wherever He extends us in this world.

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. Prov. 4:18 HCSB

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 AMP

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Leadership Wednesday, Seasonal teaching

Jan 062010

We’ve grown up singing this song, but have you ever stopped to think about what it’s about? I encourage you to do a little research on this. There are many theories, but I love the idea of using it as a teaching tool, a catechism if you will. Any opportunity to pass down our faith is a good thing, and numbers and symbols work with children and adults alike.

The tradition of Epiphany (also called “Three Kings Day” or “Twelfth Day”) is celebrated on January 6. This is the twelfth day after Christmas, and in many traditions, it signifies the “manifestation” of God the Son, Jesus Christ. This epiphany of God in the flesh is often recognized when the magi visited Jesus, “He who is born King of the Jews.” These magi (or astrologers, kings or priests) were Gentiles, and it is significant that they would recognize Him as King and bow in worship, bringing costly gifts.

Gold represented the value He deserves, symbolic of His kingship. Frankincense was a perfume, symbolic of His priesthood. Myrrh was used an anointing or embalming oil, prophesying the death He would endure. Each signified the role He would take in coming to Earth to save His people from their sins — prophet, priest and king.

The account in Matthew 2 does not give an exact time span between the birth of Christ, the visit of the shepherds, and the visit of the magi, but it can be assumed it is sometime before His second birthday due to historical records of the reigning Herods. We typically see the “kings” in our Nativity scenes, but to get an accurate portrayal of the early worship of Christ, continue to study this. What we do know is that Jesus was worshipped.

Epiphany as a liturgical event is first mentioned in AD 361, according to some historical records. When we first married, we decided to celebrate the season from the first Sunday of Advent until Epiphany. When our daughter was born on January 6, 1993, we decided to end our Christmas season prior to her birthday celebrations, but remembering the big picture of the Advent of Christ still is the focus. I wish you all a blessed and glorious 2010. Continue to learn more about your faith and your part of the Church in the world. Get to know Him as your prophet, priest and king!