Translation - Management of Distress (Part 4) - His Right Hand

This Bible reflection is about my ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. That same day I got the implanted port, the device that provides IV access for chemotherapy.

It was the morning of the liver biopsy. The doctor came in to explain the procedure and the nurse assigned to me that morning also followed. While the doctor prepared the area to be biopsied, the nurse started touching gently and rhythmically my left arm. Then she said: "This first part may be the most difficult but don’t be afraid, it is better if you just focus on the touch of my hand." And so I did.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth thy hand against the wrath of mine enemies, And thy right hand will save me." (Psalm 138:7, ASV)

I love the psalmist’s confidence. For him, being in distress only means one thing: the chance to be revived by the Lord. The word “revive” also may be translated as to “sustain life”, to “be alive” or to “be quickened” from sickness, discouragement, faintness or death itself. Then the psalmist refers to the right hand of the Lord. There are many verses in the Bible that refer to the right hand of the Lord:

Psalm 18:35 - the right hand of the Lord sustains

"You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great"

Psalm 20: 6 - the right hand of the Lord is able to save
 

"Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand"
 

Psalm 118: 15 - the right hand of the Lord is skillful and efficient

"... The right hand of the Lord does valiantly"

Psalm 118: 16 - the right hand of the Lord exalts
 

And we need to remember that Jesus is at that at the right hand of God. Although he was God, he humbled himself to save us. And after his death and victory at the Cross he was highly exalted and now has all power and dominion. What does Jesus do at the right hand of God?

1. Interceding for us. He is not disengaged from our affairs. He is our advocate, who speak on our behalf. (Romans 8:34, 1 John 2: 1)

2. In charge of running the universe. Nothing exempt from his rule (Ephesians 1: 20-22)
3. Upholding the universe by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1: 3)

Every reference to the “right hand of the Lord” in the Old Testament applies to Jesus. He sustains, He saves, He does valiantly, He exalts. And by grace he also is “Immanuel”, God is with us. The One upholding the universe, from atoms to galaxies, is with us!!!
 

Don’t you think he can hold your world? Don’t you think he can sustain your life? Don’t you think he can revive you in the midst of trouble? Don’t you think his comfort is sweet and more than enough? When circumstances are frightful; when processes are painful; when the future is uncertain, do not focus on the here and now. Focus instead on the One who holds ALL things. Focus instead on the One who is at the right hand of God, highly exalted and speaking on your behalf.

Becky

 All rights reserved. Rebecca Parrilla April/2015