Simple Power
A Devotion
The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry
By Bro. Andy Madonio
September 29, 2000
But with righteousness He will judge the poor,
And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth;
And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth,
And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.
Isaiah 11:4
To strike the earth clearly signifies an attack, but the weapon referred to comes not from the arsenals of warfare we are accustomed to. We see things made of steel, hard and polished and invincible. Our natural vision looks to machines of war designed as much for outright strength as for the invoking of dread and fear upon our adversaries. The prophet, however, sees the Lord Jesus, the mounted King, pulling from His scabbard a singular weapon of simplicity, and the only one He needs.
Yes, it is simple, even common, so common as to be available for all that call Him their King. A rod is not very fearsome to behold. It does not exactly gleam, as a razor-sharp sword of polished steel would, yet our King wields it and it alone. It is His rod, and it represents His Word and His Voice. It is backed by His Father, it is powered by His Spirit, and it is available for each of the King's willing subjects to use as needed. This rod of Christ is all that is required to subdue this earth. Oh, how we struggle to obtain other weapons and devices we feel are more effective; yet there, on the floor, unused, lay the rod of His might.
When utilized properly by one of skill, this rod can resemble a sword in its fierceness. And whether it is seen to be a rod or a sword, like either weapon, skill in utilizing it comes only from persistent use. Practice, try, improve, and repeat until weariness comes, then try again later, tomorrow, the next day. Good warriors take time to develop, and good rod-wielders and swordsmen do as well.
The earth will, one day, be subdued, and the only weapon that will prevail will be His rod.
