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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Staff (01/31/13)
As the great Shepherd reaches down and lovingly catches his sheep in the crook of his staff protecting Him from going off the edge of some dangerous cliff. Lovingly guiding His flock, leaning on his staff, with a huge smile on his lips. We think of David’s Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. We all have these loving pictures of the Shepherd with His staff. Or the staff being put in Moses hands for the power of God to be seen and used as a testimony of His great love for His people. When we look at the staff, we think of Gods hand holding us up, in comfort, in power, and Our Great Shepherd, but Jesus the King of Kings sees the staff in a different light.

Something that God had used for His glory was now being used to torture His beloved son. Matthew 27:28 and 29 Puts a whole new light on that staff. First they twisted a crown of thorns on his head and put a staff in his hand. That staff which represented royalty and protection, was now just a cruel source of amusement for the soldiers. Can’t you here them mocking? Here He is the King, all hail the King of the Jews. Pretending to bow down before Him. Look at Him doesn’t He look so regal. Then they began to spit on him and snatch the same staff and hit him again and again on the head. That staff that represented Gods power was now being used to strike His head. They shouted, “Aren’t you going to call God down and save yourself? Look at Him now, He can’t even save himself!” Jesus is being led down the path towards the hill of Golgotha. Staggering down the road, stripped, naked, flesh raw with the beatings, he stumbles and falls. Someone else has to carry His cross. He is placed on that cross and nails are driven into His hands and feet. He cries out in agony. Again a drink of vinegar is offered to him on a staff. This staff that once represented Moses striking a rock and giving water, is now offering Jesus sour vinegar. The mocking continues, even the thief next to Him pokes fun. Jesus cries out, God where are you? Satan is dancing around laughing with glee, “Look at your son now, He is going to die!!!!” Jesus finally breathes his last breath and dies.

It’s a good thing the story doesn’t end there. Three days later, the tomb, soldiers guard where Jesus body lay. A great Earthquake shakes the ground. Those soldiers, who once mocked Him, are running away in fear and trembling. The Woman come weeping, they have come to mourn his death. The tomb is empty. Where have they put my Lord?”, Mary wails! Suddenly a bright light appears and an angel appears HE is not here He is risen!! The disciples run to see and are amazed. Jesus comes up from the grave, in glorious victory. He appears to his friends in many places. They see Him rise up in the clouds. Christ ascends to His heavenly throne where His staff is restored to His righteous right hand. The staff again becomes a symbol of Gods power, rule, and protection for His people.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/08/13
A lovely reminder of our Savior and His majestic and powerful presence.

Lovely job. Thank you.
God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/11/13
This is a fascinating piece. Although Psalm 23 has been used in many stories this week, I like how you took it to the next level and showed other places where a staff is an important character in the life of Jesus.

I did notice a few tiny typos like Moses hand instead of Moses' hand and here instead of here.

I will admit you allowed me to see the crucifixion through new eyes. I had always though some random stick was used throughout the torture of Jesus, but having it be a staff makes so much sense and the irony of it all teaches us lessons way more than using a random stick would. I always think a story is great if I see things in a new light or if the story makes me stop and think. You accomplished both of these things--kudos.
Rebecca Lunn
02/15/15
The connection you made from Moses' staff, to the staff of God our Good Shepherd, to the reed-staff that was thrust into Jesus' hand in mockery, to Jesus ruling with a rod of iron as King of kings is striking and to the point (puns intended). Very thought provoking; well done!