Exodus 4:1-5
Signs for Moses
4 Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”
2 Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A staff,” he replied.
3 The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5 “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
~You entered with deceit and poisoned humanity. Punished to your belly – you slither lower with each tick of the clock; your time is running out. Striking fear, your forked tongue seeks to kill, steal and destroy. What was once peaceful in communion is now thorny and separated. You struck me while my soul sank into the fruit. Leaves covered my shame and my hands covered my impelled heart. Two bleeding holes represent your surgical-strike. The very breath given to me now fleeing from my lungs – replaced by your toxicity. The garden, a withered soul, longing for rivers of living water. The very Spirit of God called my name, but I hid. As tears roll down my face, they scream, “He knows my name…!” But I hide. You’re already in my head, “God Almighty can’t be seen with someone like you!” My tongue feels dry…what did I do?
~Parched…my soul cries out when the pills are gone and the drinks are empty. Lying in bed, my slowing heartbeat reminds me of a thorny garden and a shameful past. Your darkened shadow reminds me I’m sadly not alone as you cheer for just one more swallow. For all of humanity, you have haunted thoughts and hunted countless. When all seems lost, a different presence appears. His light has you startled, evil one. In apparent reflex, you strike His heel, but He crushes your head! His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I take His hand, and His eyes sparkle with garden-walk talks. His love and sacrifice erase all threads of shame. The chains are gone. Praises fill my lungs and worship rushes over my tongue like a roaring waterfall…what did I do?
~Accepted…my soul cries out in healing reverence. I didn’t do anything but receive. Once an empty soul now filled with redemptive love. Tears roll down my face, they scream, “He chased me from the garden to the grave…! But He arose with the keys to my soul and all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth. Before the enemy could slither away, my God says, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” The enemy’s evil look grips fear into my heart as I recoil…what did I do?
~Faith…my soul cries out in pure surrender as I stare down the one who stole my life from me. Through my Savior’s nail-pierced hands, I see you trembling. I reach, slowly, then a boldness overcomes and…
~I take shame by the tail and watch the staff of the Lord turn it into service for others.
~I take regret by the tail and watch the staff of the Lord turn it into redemption.
~I take anger by the tail and watch the staff of the Lord turn it into achievement.
~I take unforgiveness by the tail and watch the staff of the Lord turn it into unity.
~I take lust by the tail and watch the staff of the Lord turn it into true life everlasting.
~I take pride by the tail and watch the staff of the Lord turn it into preaching.
His staff is always by my side as a constant reminder of my authority in Him alone. May God bless you, and I pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to your true calling in Him. No matter what you’ve gone through or what you might be facing currently, God’s power is mightier than any situation you could ever face. I pray that you receive encouragement, this very day, to kick out the evil one and reclaim your rightful place. Walking with a staff of authority often means facing your fears or past. Grab freedom by the tail!
I truly believe there are many people out there who needed to hear this message. What are you taking by the tail (e.g., shame, regret, anger, etc.)?
Thankful,
Christian Armetta
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My Deliverer 