I am intrigued by the passages of the Bible that say that when we are in relationship with God, He holds us by our right hand. There are also many references to Jesus after his ascension being seated at the Father’s right hand (some sources list 100!).
Biblical scholars say the use of this “right hand” metaphor symbolizes authority, strength, and a place of honor and protection. Most commentaries say that the references to God holding us by our right hand mean that we have the assurance that God is close and doesn’t leave us, even in the most difficult circumstances of life. That God is holding our right hand implies that HIS right hand is free. This should bring us peace and eliminate the fear and anxiety of feeling that we are all alone in this journey, no matter the challenges to our faith and trust.
I love, too, the metaphor from Matthew 11 of a yoke. Although few young people of the last century remember seeing two strong animals, like oxen or horses, being joined using a wooden piece of equipment that combined their strengths to pull heavy loads, we can imagine this from movies and pictures.
Not just the weight of the load, but the yoke itself becomes an issue. The strain of moving with a strong wooden yoke, were it not expertly carved, shaped, and smoothed, could cause irritation to the neck and shoulders of the wearer.
Now, imagine this image in the context of Jesus offering to each of us who are overwhelmed by the load life has laid on our shoulders to be “yoked” to Him. Come to me, he offers, and I will give you rest. Yoke up with me. Okay, let’s just stop there. Don’t yoke-sharers have to be evenly matched, equally strong, equally sized?
But Jesus invites us wimpy and weary to join up in a team where our side of the yoke is just a figure of speech, because the God of the galaxies is in the other side of the yoke. And our side of the yoke is not irritating or poorly shaped but perfectly fitted to our particular (scrawny) neck and shoulders. It is perfect, and what’s left of our load is light. How stupid of us, then, to claim credit for the outcome of this “shared” load bearing!
Now, back to God holding us by our right hand. Yes, this means we are not alone. And it means God is walking with us every step of the way. But maybe, just maybe, He is holding our right hand tightly, so we won’t use it to take charge or take credit. Our more awkward hand is free to carry through, but our right hand is held, while God’s right hand is free to overcome the circumstance, lift the encumbrances, fight the battles, or move galaxies, if need be, for His beloved children.
He has been given by his Father all authority in heaven and earth (Matthew 28), and it is He who holds our right hand. That gives a whole new meaning to “fear not!” And it also keeps us from taking over. We must relinquish. We must surrender to win. We must not use our right hand of self-sufficiency to wrench back control, for if we do, we will not know the sweet confidence that “He who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” – Romans 8:34
It is He who holds our right hand, so “who can separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and gave Himself for us!” – Romans 8:35,37
