"'As I live,' declares the Lord GOD, 'surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you. I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out'" Ezekiel 20:33-34.
The hand of a parent is powerful and life-changing. A parent's hand can lovingly caress or harshly discipline. As every parent knows, the proper balance between caressing and correcting is crucial to the well-being of a child.
Our Father's hand administers that perfect balance. Through might, correction, and compassion, Yahweh promised the people of Israel deliverance amidst judgment. Although His wrath was poured out in judgment because of their willful disobedience, the promise of His mercy and deliverance was in no way diminished. Faithful to His covenant promise, our Father is fully committed to being King over them.
Our Father's purposes and promises extend to us through Jesus the Messiah. With a mighty hand, outstretched arm, and wrath poured out on our enemies, His plan to be our King is on track. Though at times we might be faithless, He remains faithful to His covenant to be King.
In the face of danger and threats, the early church raised their voices in prayer to the one true God to again stretch out His hand and do what He alone could do:
"And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30)
When the purposes and plans for the Church were threatened, rather than shrink back in fear, the early disciples sought boldness in speech as well as the outstretched hand of God to to perform healing, signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. Their prayers received an immediate answer (Acts 4:31)
Our Father extends His arm and His mighty hand to help and strengthen His children today. Whether we need His disciplining hand of correction or a gentle caress, He extends His helpful hand to us today.
©Steve Taylor, 2023 --Used by permission
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