Scripture portrays God as possessing eyes (Psalm 32;8), breath (Job
33:4),
a mouth (Job 23:12), arms (Deuteronomy 33:27), ears (Isaiah 59:1), feet (Isaiah 66:1) and hands (Isaiah
59:1).
The right hand of God is mentioned over 150 times in the Bible. The right hand
is a symbol of the attributes of perfection of our infinite God. No human
description can adequately describe the awesome power, honour and blessing of
our God (Isaiah 40:18). With His powerful right hand, God saves us, sustains
us, protects us and governs the heavens and the earth with it (Psalm 110:1,4; 118:16). The term, “right hand” in the
Word of God mainly speaks of power, honour and blessings.
The sense of power is shown in many Biblical instances (Exodus 15:6). God’s right hand spread the
heavens out in the universe (Isaiah 48:13).
When
God saved the Israelites from the Egyptian army, they proclaimed the glorious
power of God’s right hand that shattered their enemy (Exodus 15:6). Joshua had the Israelites place twelve stones near
Gilgal as a testimony of the mighty hand of God (Joshua 4:24). God’s right hand saves his anointed and answers them
from heaven with the saving might of His right hand (Psalm 20:6). The Psalmist accused God at one point of hiding His
powerful right hand in the folds of His garment rather than destroying Israel’s
enemies (Psalm 74:11). We cling to God,
and His right hand upholds us (Psalm
63:8).
God has a mighty arm and a strong hand (Psalm 89:13).
Jesus predicted that we would see Him seated at God’s right hand of
power in heaven (Matthew 22: 41-45;
Colossians 3:1). This power supersedes all
principalities and authority and power and dominion. Jesus’ name is above every
name, which is named not only in this world, but also in the coming age (Matthew
26:64; Luke 22: 69; Ephesians 1:19-21).
The
right hand of God is depicted in scripture as the absolute power of God to
accomplish in His might whatever task He determines to achieve.
The second significance of God’s right hand is honour. Benjamin is a name that means “son of my right hand”, indicating a place of love and honour (Genesis 35:18). When Bathsheba visited her son Solomon, he granted her the honour of sitting at his right hand (1 Kings 2:19). Jesus endured the cross, in spite of despising the shame of taking on the sin of the whole world, by considering the joy of returning to His honourable seat at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22; Psalm 110:1; Mark 2:36). Jesus functions as our high priest as He sits at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-2). The angels were never given this distinction to sit at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3).
The third significance of the right hand is to receive blessing and
provision (Ezra 7:9). Israel divides
his blessing between Joseph’s sons (Genesis
48:13-18). Being in God’s presence at His right hand is to receive fullness of joy
and pleasures forevermore (Psalm
16:11).
The right hand of God does valiantly and brings the blessings of the voice of
rejoicing and salvation in the tabernacle of the righteous (Psalm 118:15-16). His right hand provides us
with His omnipresence, security and salvation (Psalm 139:8-10, 20:6). Our soul clings to Him, and His right hand supports
us (Psalm 63:8). God encourages us
not to be afraid, because He is with us; or to be dismayed, because He is our
God; He promises to strengthen us, help us and hold us up by His right hand of
righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).
Prayer:
Father God, we call people who are very helpful to us, “Our right hand
man (or woman)”. We give one another the right hand of fellowship at church.
Therefore, we understand the power and significance of Your right hand. Thank
You for Your ministry to us with Your right hand. Your power protects us, Your
honour encourages us and Your blessings and provision supply us with everything
we need to flourish in this life. We look forward to living with You for
eternity, both in Heaven and in the New Earth (2 Peter 3:13). We take courage and comfort and encouragement from
the power, honour and provision of Your right hand.
Thought for the Day:
In Christ, seated at God’s right hand, we possess
power over sin, (1 John 4:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57) and
over Satan (Exodus 15:6); as
well as power for service to our King (John
14:12, Philippians 4:13).
