“WHAT IS THAT IN THINE HAND?”

 

Oran Rhodes

 

          God questioned Moses, “What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod” (Exodus 4:2). In convincing Moses of His power and the assistance Moses would be given in carrying out God’s commission, God then requested that Moses cast that rod to the ground. When he did so, it became a serpent, and Moses ran. Ultimately, of course, takes up his task with complete confidence in God. That rod that was thrown to the ground was just that—a rod. It was nothing special, rather it was much like hundreds of other rods. This one, however, became famous, important, and powerful. What was the difference? With God’s involvement everything changed, just like the lives of all whom He touches.

 

In Judges 3:31, we find that Shamgar, a judge of Israel, had an oxgoad. What an ordinary instrument, however useful daily to prod the oxen to pull their load. Yet, in the hand of a man of God, with its use dedicated to God’s service, it was the used to slay six hundred Philistines and deliver Israel from the suppression of that nation.

 

The familiar narrative of 1 Samuel records the young man David arriving in the camp of King Saul to visit his brothers and how David was so perturbed that the giant Goliath each day taunted Israel with a challenge – which no one seemed prepared to take up. David was made up of sterner stuff, however, and ultimately he took his sling and five smooth stones and went out to meet the Philistine champion, with his armor and sword. As recorded, David needed only one stone to fell Goliath, after which he used Goliath’s own sword to complete the task of dispatching the giant. In standing up for God’s cause, David with a simple sling, brought victory which could not be won by the whole army of Israel.

 

Centuries before the event recorded in John 4:6, Jacob had dug a well. Think of the simple tools, likely crude at best, that were required to dig a well—picks and shovels. Yet, for centuries consider the blessing of that simply act for generations afterward. As Jesus rested at the well, He spoke to others about the fact that He Himself was living water. Little do we realize the consequence of some effort we are engaged in; yet, as was this well, the blessing of some effort we purpose to complete may have far reaching consequences.

 

When we read of the young lad in John 6:5-14 we realize that on the surface a boy with five loaves and 2 fishes in the midst of thousands of people would have little effect. But what would have taken place had the lad not brought those loaves and fishes?  In the right place at the right time, however, when those items were given into the service of the Master, it was miraculously multiplied to feed 5,000 men besides women and children. Little things placed into service for the Lord can become great in their influence--- and that does not require any miracle.

 

We also find a poor widow who had only two mites, but she gave all that she had into the Lord’s treasury (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus pointed out for all posterity the greatness of her gift and she became for all time the example of what liberal giving is!

 

Acts 9:36-39 records the good works in the life of Dorcas. What great thing did she do? She used her needle. As a result she was much beloved for her many good deeds. The bottom line was that she did what she could.

          

Now, what about you? What do you have in your hand? A life, even though it may seem rather insignificant to you or even those around you, is never significant to God. He gave that life to you, as well as the abilities you have to use for Him. Do you use them? Brethren, use what is in your hand and do not worry about what you do not have. You have more than you have time to use as it is!