Lesson 2: The God That Gave Moses a Stick

Exodus 4 opens with a discussion between Moses and God at the burning bush. Moses is trying to make excuses of why he can’t be used by God.

Moses said, “They will not believe me. Unless I am able to work miracles they will not believe that you sent me.”

God asked, “Moses, what is in your hand?” A simple shepherd’s staff became a powerful rod of God (Exodus 17:9).

“And you shall take this rod in your hand with which you shall work the signs [that prove I sent you]” (Exodus 4:17, AMP).

Moses’ stick was a symbol of:

   God’s power.

   Moses calling.

   His authority to act under God. It convinced the children of Israel and Pharoah that he had been sent by God. The rod of God was probably a long staff as depicted in Egyptian monuments, used by men in positions of authority.

   Outward token to others that the Spirit was resting upon Him.

The God that Gave Elijah a Mantle

Elijah’s mantle (probably a sheepskin cloak) was a symbol of:

   God’s power.

   Elijah’s calling as a prophet.

   Being invested with authority.

   Transfer of power to his successor, Elisha.

   Outward token to others that the Spirit was resting upon Him. It was a sign to others.  “The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, ‘The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha’” (2 Kings 2:15, NIV).

The God that Gave the Church His Name

The name of Jesus is a symbol of:

   God’s power. “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases” (Luke 9:1).

   Our position as believers. How do we know God is with the believer? “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17-18). Seven times the Scripture here says, “Shall.”   When we speak in His name we use His power and authority. It is as if Jesus Himself were bodily at hand (Acts 3:6).

   Our authority to act under God.  “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?…Be it known unto you all… that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:7, 10).

   Transfer of power. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:12-14, NKJV).

   Outward token to others that the Spirit is in us: “…We know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:2)

Conclusion

The closing verse of the Gospel of Mark serves as a brief summary for the entire book of Acts. It should be the same for our lives.

“And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20).

“God verified the message by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose to do so” (Hebrews 2:4, NLT).

How was this possible? Did God provide us a stick? Did He give us a sheepskin? No, He gave us the best of all His name.

Supplementary Material

When Can We Use the Name of Jesus?

In Prayer…

“Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:12-14).

In Preaching…

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all

nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

When in Need…

“That whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16).

To Receive Eternal Life…

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).

When Healing Is Needed…

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk.

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong whom ye see and know” (Acts 3:6, 16).”

“By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?…Be it known unto you all… that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole…But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:7,10, 17-18).

In Salvation…

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

In Deliverance from Demons…

“And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:18).

In Water Baptism…

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

“For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 8:16).

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5).

In Everything…

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).