May 23 - Psalm 139:9-10

May 23 - Psalm 139:9-10

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast. 

God’s hand will guide me – his right hand will hold me fast.

Throughout scripture we read of God’s right hand.  The right hand is the hand of authority or honor.  When Jacob gave out his blessings, the right hand came first. In Genesis 48:13-14, even though Manasseh was the older son, Jacob crossed his hands so that the right hand would be on Ephraim’s head for the blessing.

The right hand refers to the Messiah in prophecy found in the Old Testament. These prophecies promise that the Messiah will rule over his enemies.

“A Psalm of David. The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”  Psalm 110:1

Psalm 118:16.  “the right hand of the Lord exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!"

This makes a great deal more sense when we get to the New Testament.

Ephesians 1:19-21, “and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”

Romans 8:34, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the one who has been given great power and is blessed by and whom we know is seated at the right hand of the Father, will hold us fast.

The strength of that right hand is what keeps us safe, no matter where we are.