The Two Scepters

Just a reminder that the exhibit, Jesus’ Earthly Journey - The Road To Victory event, will be continuing until April 7, 2021. If you’re in the Berrien Springs, MI area, I hope you’ll have a chance to see it. Today’s post is something fresh that stood out to me while working on this exhibit. It’s a detail I’ve probably read 100 times, but never really paid attention - the reed scepter.

Here are the two scriptures that reference the reed scepter. “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:28-29 “And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship.” Mark 15:19 With all the imagery, it’s easy to skip over, and most Easter displays don’t have a reed scepter in them. But, I want to highlight this detail because I think this easily missed fact reveals truth.

Notice how the soldiers put the reed in Jesus’ right hand. The robe, crown, scepter, and salutation were all symbols of a king. They meant to mock and taunt Jesus. The demons, speaking and acting through the soldiers, knew who He was and they thought they had won. But, the scepter that they didn’t understand was Jesus “iron rod” of authority over sin and death.

Now contrast the scene at the cross with this scene in Revelation. “Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. 12 His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. 13 He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. 15 From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. 16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Revelation 19:11-16

As we compare the two scepters, the reed could be easily broken. But, the rod of iron symbolizes great strength. The reed scepter lasted only a couple of days, but the rod of iron will last for eternity. The reed represented the counterfeit shadow government, but the rod of iron represents the everlasting true government, and as we see in Revelation, Jesus “means business.”

The point being is that when everything looks the bleakest, Sunday is a comin’!!!! Hold fast to the truth of the resurrection. JESUS IS ALIVE! He WILL reign forever and His justice and mercy are sure!

May you celebrate this resurrection holiday with great joy, knowing that Jesus Is King! May this reminder refresh and strengthen you as we face challenging times, so that you can remain blessed to be a blessing In Jesus Name! Go forth bold, blessed, and brilliant! Subscribe and comment below.