What does "the hand of the LORD was upon me" signify for believers? The phrase in the text “The hand of the LORD was upon me” (Ezekiel 1:3) What the expression signified to the original writer • A sudden, unmistakable awareness of God’s nearness • Divine commissioning to speak or act (Ezekiel 2:1–3) • Empowerment that overrides natural limitation (1 Kings 18:46) • A weighty sense of God’s authority—sometimes overwhelming, even physically affecting (Ezekiel 3:14–15) How Scripture consistently uses “the hand of the LORD” 1. Direction – guiding the servant’s steps (Ezra 7:6, 9) 2. Strength – enabling what flesh cannot do (Judges 14:6) 3. Discipline – bringing judgment when hearts harden (1 Samuel 5:6; Acts 13:11) 4. Protection – shielding from hostile powers (Nehemiah 2:18) 5. Revelation – opening spiritual eyes (Ezekiel 37:1; Revelation 1:17) Why it matters for believers today • God’s hand is still active; His character never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • The Spirit indwells us, so His touch is now internal as well as external (1 Corinthians 3:16). • His hand assures us of: – Calling John 15:16 – Capability 2 Cor 3:5–6 – Courage Acts 4:31 • Experiencing that hand invites obedience. Ezekiel heard, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you” (Ezekiel 2:1); we likewise rise to do what He commands (James 1:22). • It anchors hope. The same hand that created (Isaiah 48:13) now keeps us (John 10:28–29). Living under the Lord’s hand • Seek His nearness through the Word; Ezekiel saw visions “while among the exiles” (Ezekiel 1:1). Our circumstances never bar His touch. • Submit promptly; Elijah ran immediately when the hand came (1 Kings 18:46). Delay dulls sensitivity. • Expect both comfort and course correction. His hand lifts (Psalm 37:24) and chastens (Hebrews 12:6). • Testify. Ezra credited every success to “the good hand of his God” (Ezra 7:28). Giving Him glory keeps pride at bay. The same mighty hand that rested on prophets, judges, and apostles now rests on all who are in Christ—guiding, empowering, correcting, and upholding until we see Him face-to-face. |
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