Wooden staffs are synonymous with the outdoors. Put a crook on one, and a shepherd can use it to corral unruly lambs. Placed in a hiker’s hands, and she becomes more stable on the rocks. A retiree can stroll the sidewalks more securely with the support of a simple staff.
We can call it whatever we wish, a cane, a walking stick, or even a baton, the sort used in marching bands or in a color guard. Attach a flag to it, and it becomes quite a sight. In the Harry Potter world, it’s a wand, capable of casting spells. Add flames, and we’ve got a circus extravaganza.
All from a simple staff of wood.
Yet place this same staff in a king’s hand, and it becomes a scepter, infused with his power and authority. When the scepter points, armies march, kingdoms fall, and entire peoples are swept away.
Isaiah 14:5 says:
“The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers.”
In The Expositor’s Study Bible, Jimmy Swaggart tells us that the entirety of Chapter 14 is about the Restoration of Israel. This promise's fulfillment began in 1948, and is to be completed after the Second Coming. Earthly powers will no longer rise in triumph against God's chosen people.
This verse applies to the modern church, also, giving us a promise of freedom from the devil's tricks and harassment.
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
Psalm 119:160 reveals even more:
“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
Every one! Not just the ones we single out as the financial promises of the 21st century believer, but every rule, every law, and every guarantee.
The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked!
Those words apply to us today, you and me, the modern believer, the Church of the Returning Christ. Everyone who trusts in God. The devil has nothing to hold over us any longer! We are free in Christ, free indeed! His word is our cane, our walking stick, our flaming baton before the world. The devil’s scepter has been broken, cracked on the head of the evil one, and cast away forever.
In the Harry Potter series of movies, a broken wand becomes useless, unable to affect anyone or anything around it. Once Jesus comes on the scene, the devil’s power over us is forever broken.
Hallelujah to that!
If the devil thinks he can win against our Lord and Savior, then he’s surely cracked in the head.
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