“As long as Moses held up his staff with his hands the Israelites had the advantage.” Exodus 17:11
One of the most interesting things to me in this story and the story of Moses in general, is the significance of his shepherd’s staff.
A shepherd staff was a common accesory back then. It was a long slender stick that often had a hook or crook on the end of it. The staff’s purpose was one of comfort, support, and to draw sheep together in an intimate relationship. For example if a newborn lamb was born and its mother wandered off, the Shepherd would use it to lift the newborn lamb and bring it to its mother. It was also used to keep the sheep together and to bring close to the Shepherd for examination.
For Moses it became something greater than just a stick/staff. It became his assurance that God’s power and presence was with him. We see that in Exodus 4:2-4 and Exodus 4:17 “Then the Lord asked him, ‘What do you have there in your hand?’ ‘A shepherd’s staff,’ Moses replied” Throw it down on the ground, the Lord told him. So Moses threw it down, and it became a snake!...Then the Lord told him, ‘Take hold of its tail, So Moses reached out and grabbed it and it became a shepherd’s staff again.”
Exodus 4:17 God tells Moses to take his shepherd’s staff with him so he can perform the miraculous signs God had shown him. “And be sure to take your shepherd’s staff along so you can perform the miraculous signs I have shown you.” Exodus 4:17
An ordinary stick became and extraordinary stick-one that would fill Egypt with plagues, part the red sea, rain down manna, provide water from a rock, and bring victory to the Israelites as they defeated the Amalekites.
You know what else is amazing; we each have our own staff that God has given us. For some it is the use of their hands, for others it might be their vision, even one’s ears become a staff of God’s power and presence as they listen to the needs of others. Maybe your staff is your ability to sing, or write, or heal, or even to encourage.
Whatever your staff is use it for the glory of the Lord-just like Moses did.
Prayer: Lord thank You for giving each of us our own staff. May we use them for Your glory and honor. May we use our staff’s Lord and not take them for granted or think they are not useful enough. God all things made by You are useful. Amen
