What’s in your hands?

As a child I remember getting caught with toys in my hands during Sunday school or with cookies in my hands before dinner. The question, “What’s in your hands?”, was usually a confrontation that led to a reprimand. In God’s same question to Moses in Exodus 4:1-5 it is a confrontation that led to new life and blessing. Moses is struggling with whether or not people will believe he has had an experience with God. He is questioning himself and God. God doesn’t rebuke him, but reinforces him as the shepherd’s staff turns from what was once alive, in Moses hands, to new life, when it is laid down for God. This theme is carried forward throughout the Old and New Testaments and throughout the lives of Saints alive today. Whether we are nervous observers with Abraham and Isaac on the mountain or grateful participants watching the little boy bring his loaves and fishes in the Gospel account, it is clear that God wants to use that which is in our hands for greater good than we can imagine.

This past week I heard many great messages at the Catalyst conference. The message that really hit me like a ton of bricks was Rick Warren‘’s message on this very Scripture. I sat there amazed as I heard him share how he was a reverse tither (giving 90% of his earnings back to God)! He shared how he was using his influence and affluence to further the kingdom with leaders, nations and causes around the globe. After a long time of rationalizing my way through his message with comments like “yeah, but that’s Rick Warren” or”sure, but he has more money than Midas”. I heard God’s voice whisper in my ear. My heart was humbled and impassioned as I listened to God ask “that’s fine Vaughn, but What’s in your hands”? I pray that you will join me this Sunday as I share a message at Encounter that pushes each of us to consider the content of our hands.

In Christ,
Rev. Vaughn Stafford
Minister over Contemporary Worship