Right Hand of God A certain phrase in the Bible has confused believers on occasion. The Bible says that Jesus sits or stands on the “right hand of God.” Some take this statement literally and picture Christ standing beside God’s throne. Let’s examine this concept. Remember, God is invisible. In the location where you are reading this, a host of invisible things surround you. Consider radio waves, for example. Can you get on the right or left side of these things? Obviously, you can’t do that, any more than the physical body of Christ can get on any one side of the invisible being of God. This phrase “right hand of God” cannot be taken literally. According to the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, “The hand, in general, was the symbol of power and strength, especially the right hand” and would thus make sense in this statement regarding Christ. Another resource tells us the “right hand is also the side of power and strength” (International). More than just Bible commentator’s words, let’s examine Jesus’ own words in the book of Mark. The night of Christ’s crucifixion the Jewish high priest demanded that He answer the charge of being the Messiah. Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). This helps us understand even further what the “right hand” signifies—God’s power. Here Jesus stood, facing the humiliation of the cross, yet He speaks of His glorification and victory over the enemy. Jesus’ listeners in that dark courtroom understood what the “right hand” meant. They knew that He claimed to be God Himself by this statement. The high priest cried out, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” (14:63-64). And the courtroom unanimously condemned Jesus to death for claiming the authority of God. Other biblical figures of speech also are not literal: the bosom of the Father (John 1:18), casting out demons by the finger of God (Luke 11:20), and the feathers on God’s wings (Psalm 91:4). Turn to Acts 7:55-60. Here’s the story of a dying man who claimed to have seen Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Read verse 55 and write down what Stephen saw: Remember, this phrase “right hand of God” refers to the place of conquest and power over the enemies. Ironically, what is happening to Stephen in this story? Even while Stephen is going down, he sees a vision that reassures him that the Lord is in control. He sees the glorified Christ, robed in power and majesty. And he cries out, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Now, think carefully before you answer this question: did he see God? Remember, God is invisible (Colossians 1:15). Stephen could not have seen God in a bodily form. The first chapter of John’s Gospel says that no one has ever seen God. Stephen didn’t claim to see God and Jesus standing side by side because he couldn’t. Read this martyr’s prayer in verse fifty-nine. Who was he praying to? And what name did he call on when praying to Him? Stephen understood that Jesus is the Mighty God. Please refer following scriptures regarding his (God’s) “Right Hand” Psalms 16 [11] Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 17 [7] Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Psalms 18 [35] Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Psalms 20 [6] Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Psalms 21 [8] Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Psalms 45 [4] And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Psalms 48 [10] According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Psalms 60 [5] That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me. Psalms 63 [8] My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. Psalms 73 [23] Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Psalms 77 [10] And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. Psalms 80 [15] And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. Psalms 89 [13] Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Psalms 98 [1] O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. Psalms 110 [5] The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. Psalms 118 [16] The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. Psalms 138 [7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. Psalms 139 [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Exodus 15 [6] Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. [12] Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Shall we mean when God is doing wonderful Acts/miracles through his Right Hand (Power/Might), his left hand is paralysed ? Let the Trinitarians or those who believe in more than ONE GOD, answer to this question ?
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:11:46 +0000
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