The Rod And Staff Of God (Part 1)

In the Bible a rod is used to symbolize power and authoritydestructive power, such as the “rod of iron”; the rod of discipline; and especially the rod of assistance and comfort as suggested in the theme text.

RODS AND STAFFS

According to the best authorities, the distinction between a rod and a staff in olden times is not clear. In the Old Testament, the two words are often translated from the same Hebrew word “shebet”, and seem to be used interchangeably. It appears that the shepherds of Israel may have had two distinct implements that were used in connection with their occupation mainly as herdsmen. This is indicated in this 23rd Psalm where each is mentioned. The two English words rod and staff apply to one and the same thing, simply a walking stick that was customary for people to use in olden times to assist them over the rough terrain as they traveled. In the New Testament, the English words rod and staff are used several times and always translated from the same Greek word.

The Lord and his disciples each used such a rod, or staff, to assist them as they journeyed from place to place. This is referred to in Mark 6:8 when Jesus sent the twelve disciples out two by two, and instructed them to take nothing with them except their “staff.”
This opening text, puts before our mind the sense in which our Heavenly Father has used the symbol of a rod or staff to illustrate his tender care, protection, guidance, and comfort over all of his people, particularly all those who are dwelling in the “house of the Lord.”

When Jesus sent his disciples out two by two he told them to take “nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse.” (Mark 6:8) The lesson seems to be that having entered upon the Christian waythe narrow and rugged waywe must not depend upon the arm of flesh, or upon temporal things, but our sufficiency is in Christ. He has promised to be with us, to care, comfort, and guide us, helping us over the rough places, even unto the end of the way. The staff, or rod, of the Lord is indeed stronga firm foundationand it will never give way. It will carry us over the most difficult obstacles of our Christian journey, and help us through our most severe trials. Let us learn to lean fully upon it.

IMPORTANCE OF THE ROD OF GOD

The rod of the Lord had been so vital from ages, even though before then was without power and ordinary as in the case of Moses. When it became of God, it was used in the delivery of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Here, it was a simple shepherd's rod which Moses used in tending the flocks. Little did he know it would beget of the Lord.

Almost at 80 years of age, the angel of the Lord appeared unto Moses in a flame of fire and spoke to him out of a burning bush. The Lord declared his intension to bring his people (the Israelites) into Canaan, a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exo. 3:7-10).

Moses felt inadequate to this great task and questioned the Lord's wisdom in choosing him to be the deliverer of Israel. This was not necessary as He said “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jer. 1:5. For sign of proof, the Lord inquired what was in his hand. He said rod; and he ordered him to make good use of it. (Exo. 4:1-4).

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE ROD AND STAFF

Rod and staff as earlier mentioned are for power and authority; and also for assistance and comfort. The men of old made use; and were guided by these instruments. Prophetically, the Psalmist mentioned these to symbolize the Great book “THE BIBLE”. The Old Testament and the New Testament representing the Rod and Staff respectively. In Moses times, literal rod was used in leading the Israelites, but now the word of God Bible. Suffice it to say that Moses and Israelites were types representing Jesus Christ and his believers as the antitypes.

In Moses sign, it is possible to see two conditions symbolically represented that have to do with the whole human family. We know that “the sting of death is sin” (1 Cor. 15:56) and all have “come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). The human race have all come under the effects of original sin, and thus come under the curse of God's judgments. The time is coming, though, when the greater than Moses will 'catch the serpent by the tail', bind and eventually destroy Satan and thus release the human family from his beguilement.

This concerns the Lord's people inasmuch as the very purpose of their calling is that they may become part of this great antitypical Moses that will be charged with the responsibility of delivering mankind from the bondage of sin and death during Christ's kingdom. These called-out ones have been begotten with God's Holy Spirit, and thus have the great responsibility to properly use this power and authority as ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom.

It is important to remember that while the Lord's people are not expected to deliver mankind or to convert the world at this present time, nevertheless we must be putting forth this message, preaching the “gospel of the kingdom in all the world for a witness.” (Matt. 24:14) As we 'cast the rod down,' telling the people about how that old serpent, Satan, is the god of this world, and telling them about the great time of trouble we are now in, let us be sure to 'lift the serpent up again' by the tail, and also tell the people about the time when their deliverance will actually take place; and sin, suffering and death will be eradicated from the face of the earth. Pointing out the 'silver lining' behind the dark clouds of trouble is indeed a most wonderful part of our ministry, especially as we know that day of deliverance is near at hand.

THE GREAT QUESTION
The Lord is asking each one of us the question, as he asked Moses, 'What is that in thine hand?' If we have certain talents, abilities, material possessions, knowledge of the truth, let us remember that all of these things have been sanctified with the 'rod' of God's authority through the begetting of the Holy Spirit, and we must use all to his praise and honor in faithful service to him. We feel inadequate at times, and so unworthy of this honor, just as Moses did. We know that in our own selves we come far short. The words of the Lord to Moses in Exodus 4:11,12 should also be a comfort to us, “The LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

The Lord chose Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman before the people, particularly at the time of their deliverance. (See Exo. 4:16, 17). In these verses, we see Moses representing God, and Aaron the Lord Jesusthe 'Word' of God. Again, Moses had Aaron as his mouthpiece, so also is you for Jesus. We, as the footstep followers of Jesus, have been charged with the responsibility of speaking the words of the Father as faithful ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. As in verse 17, the Lord particularly pointed out the fact that this rod had been sanctified for use by Moses and Aaron in giving signs related to the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt.