Nougat 23

We continue our reflection on God’s right hand in today’s Holy Nougat

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the Hebrew tradition, the right hand represents power and authority. And when the reference is to God’s right hand, it is usually speaking about God’s might and omnipotence. The psalmist would have been familiar with the concept and it is highly likely that this factored in the layers of meaning.

However, for me it is not satisfactory, as omnipotent seems superfluous in a reading of the text. The Lord’s omnipotent hand has done mighty things… doesn’t quite fit, although powerful could.

Additionally, there is a school of thought that looks at the verses following, and, based on those words, suggests that the entire psalm is prophetic. In light of those verses – “I shall not die, but live and declare [or fulfill] the Word of the Lord; the Lord hast chastened me severely, but he hast not given me over to death”, it is in fact easy to see at least this segment of the psalm as prophetic.

From that perspective, I am willing to take a leap and suggest that the right hand of the Lord is Jesus Christ. Can you see the implications of Jesus as (not AT this time round) God’s right hand? That’s FULL cause for celebration! For sure. So let those of us who are obedient to God’s Law and are thus found faithful and declared righteous be in good spirits. The battle is already over, thanks for Jesus’ resurrection.

Yes, the right hand of the Lord IS MIGHTY!, LIFTED HIGH, and has DONE MIGHTY THINGS!

It’s shouting time!

—

May all we seek be found in Christ