Awesome message last nite at church, Thanks Sis Laurie!!=-)
"Lean On The Staff" was the title of this her message. We were asked if we had a "STAFF" and then it was explained what the staff meant...
Staff: Stick for walking, weapon, banner pole.
In the bible there are many references to the staff. There's my favorite found in Psalm 23:4
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." There are also examples all through the bible of how the staff was used as a symbol (shadow) of things to come...
Exodus 12:11-12
"And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover.
For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD."
In this instance, the staff was going to be used to preform a miricle at the red sea, it was important that they have it with them when they fled Egypt, saving them from immanant danger.
II Kings 4:29 says..."Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child."
The staff was used to build faith and heal. The staff carried God's presence. It was carried as a sheild, sword, and a help to walk each day. It was a vessel used to show God's mighty power and strength.
So What is the staff that WE lean on today?? JESUS, His word and His Spirit! he will heal, strengthen and bless us if we will lean upon Him, just as they did in the days of old. Then we can do as was told of Jacob in Hebrews 11:21..."By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, [leaning] upon the top of his staff."
Thank you Jesus for your word and your spirit, the staff you have placed into my hands. Help me to lean upon it all my days, while worshipping you with all my heart!!
Great day to all! Love to all!!=-)
