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
