What is the “right hand of God”? How does this affect my life?
Throughout Scripture, the right hand is used to illustrate strength and ability. Much of the world is right-handed, so most people resonate with the sense of dexterity, strength, and abilities that come from the right hand versus the left.
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However, when Scripture uses the image of God’s right hand, it is intended to be an image of the peak of strength and ability. In passages that specify God’s right hand, strength is a key element.
Here are some other cases in the Bible where the right hand of God touches the lives of his children:
Right Hand of God: Protection and Salvation
“For by their own sword they did not possess the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm and the light of your presence, for you favored them.Psalms 44:3
“Wonderfully show your loving nature, O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them.Psalms 17:7
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“You have also given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand upholds me; and your kindness makes me great. Psalms 18:35
“NOW I know that the Lord saves his anointed; He will respond to him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God. »Psalm 20:6-7
Right Hand of God: Promise
One day, the enemies of our God will be put in their rightful place.
“The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. Psalm 110:1
The Holy Spirit is the seal of promise in our hearts, and it was only when Jesus returned to sit at the right hand of the Father that the way was made for the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
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“This Jesus God has risen, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out what you see and hear. »Acts 2:32-33
Our Lord Jesus, who loves us, sits at the right hand of God and intercedes on our behalf!
“Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Jesus Christ is the One who died, yes, rather who was resurrected, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. »Romans 8:33-34
Right Hand of God: Provision
“You will show me the path of life; in your presence is the fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever. »Psalms 16:11
“Fear not, I am with you; Do not look at yourself, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ”Isaiah 41:10
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As God’s children, we can live in the joy of knowing that God’s right hand of protection, promise, and provision rests upon us. Although there are times when we might not understand all that God does (or doesn’t do), the essence of our faith is to trust in His heart until we can again discern His fingerprints.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me; You will stretch out your hand against the anger of my enemies, and your right hand will save me. The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Lord, your goodness is everlasting; do not forsake the works of your hands. “Psalm 138:7-8
Author
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April Motl is a pastor’s wife, mother, and women’s ministry coordinator. Her love of words led her to take a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and her love of Word of God through a master’s degree in religious sciences. You can find more encouragement from her and her husband at WordMinistries.org or borrow some of his Bible studies and devotions on Amazon. Face to face is a month-long devotional highlighting the names of God if you’d like to delve deeper into this topic!
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