The lesson explores the symbolic meaning of the rod or staff in the Bible, representing God’s word and those who possess and teach it rightly. The rod has two main figurative meanings: God’s word itself which guides, comforts, corrects, and judges; and a person who faithfully handles and imparts God’s word, acting as a true shepherd. Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God’s authoritative word given by the Father to rule and judge with truth, and his true disciples also have spiritual authority through God’s word. In contrast, there are false shepherds who distort or reject God’s word, leading people astray, symbolized by the Pharisees and Sadducees. The “iron scepter” represents the authority granted to Jesus and those who overcome and remain faithful until the end. Discernment is crucial to ensure guidance by the true shepherd (God’s word) and not false shepherds, lest one stumbles from the truth as the end times approach.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Staff/Rod of God: Symbolizes God’s word, providing comfort, protection, and guidance to His people.
- Psalms 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- Jeremiah 23:29 – “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
- Ezekiel 34:31 – You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
Rod of Judgment: Represents God’s word used to judge and correct, sometimes through the actions of others.
- Isaiah 11:4 – but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
- Isaiah 10:5 – “Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath!
Reed Like a Measuring Rod: A person with weak faith, given to measure the hearts and spirits of God’s people.
- Revelation 11:1-2 – I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.
Iron Rod/Scepter: Given to the one who overcomes, signifying everlasting authority to rule all nations with the word of God.
- Revelation 2:26-28 – To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star.
- Revelation 12:5 – She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.” And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.
- Psalms 2:9 – You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Rod
What do you think the rod and staff mean?
Rod = The word and a person who has the word (with the word)
Open and Sealed Word
Today, we’ll delve into the concept of open and sealed word, a crucial aspect that enables us to comprehend the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Before we proceed, let’s briefly review this concept. Open and sealed words play a critical role in our ability to grasp the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. What we’ll be exploring today has remained concealed for a long time.
Contents in the Bible
What are the four types of content in the Bible? History, moral teachings, prophecy and fulfillment.
ONE – History
Things like David defeating Goliath. Joseph was the adoptive father of Jesus, although not his biological father. But Joseph raised Jesus, correct? That’s history.
TWO – Moral teachings
Treat others as you would like to be treated. Do not judge others or you will be judged. Do not covet your neighbor’s possessions or steal from them.
“Do not kill” – these are moral teachings and ethical principles to live by.
These types of moral guidelines and biblical histories are relatively straightforward for most Christians to understand and follow. Many Christians spend their whole lives focusing just on these basics. Like babies, they are only able to handle “milk” – simple teachings. They remain constantly hungry, always wanting more, because they are not actually getting any “solid food” – the deeper spiritual truths that require discernment.
There are prophecies and fulfillments, profound spiritual matters, that God seals off for a time until we are ready. When the student is ready, God opens up these deeper teachings.
THREE – Prophecies
I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions and told parables through them.”
I spoke to the prophets, gave them many visions, and told parables through them. A prophet speaks prophecy, but that prophecy is spoken in parables. Parables are important to understand in order to understand prophecy, for the two are very connected.
Does anyone remember why God speaks His prophecies in parables? He does it this way so that the evil one cannot understand His plans. What happens when the evil one understands God’s plan? The evil one either copies God or does the complete opposite of what God is trying to do. He also tries to impede what God is trying to accomplish.
When Pharaoh noticed that Moses was born or that the Israelites were growing in size, Satan caught wind of Moses’s birth. So he inspired Pharaoh to kill all the babies, just as he did when Jesus the Messiah was born. Satan is always trying to impede God’s plan. But God speaks His prophecies and parables to protect His plans so that they cannot be stopped.
This means that initially the prophecy is sealed, meaning it cannot be understood by anyone, even if they are very intelligent or have studied the Bible their entire lives. This is intentional. But it does not remain that way forever.
11 For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” 12 Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.”
13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
This passage is not referring to literal literacy. Just as seeing is compared to understanding, and hearing is compared to understanding, reading is also compared to understanding.
Verse 11 refers to those who are supposed to be able to understand – the leaders and seers – but they are unable to. Verse 12 then states that those who depend on the leaders for understanding have no hope if the leaders themselves cannot understand.
This is a prophecy about the time of the first coming, but the logic of this prophecy also applies to our time. There will be those who cannot understand and thus will not be able to help others understand either. This will not be the case forever though. A time comes when the word is opened and able to be understood. For example, at Jesus’ first coming, he began explaining the scriptures so they could be understood.
I would like to explore and reflect on the interaction Jesus had with the Samaritan woman in a new light. This time, you’ll perceive it from an entirely new perspective.
24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
Wow, amen! Imagine being the Samaritan woman in this story. Think about it: she had been waiting for generations, and now she’s leading the one she’s been waiting for. But pay close attention to what she says in verse 25, because it’s so significant. She asks, “When the Messiah comes, what will he do?”
And the answer is: He will explain. He will open up the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 13:10-11, it says that these secrets have been given to us, but not to those on the outside (them). They will only hear parables, and the word will remain sealed to them.
But for those of us with humble hearts who come to Jesus and ask, “What do you mean by this? Explain it to us,” He will gladly do so. This is why it’s so important to have noble and good hearts that are receptive to the seed being sown.
Do you see the connection between all these parables? They’re all interconnected, not separate stories. They’re all part of one continuous thread in the Bible. It’s truly amazing!
Now, let’s consider our time. Is the word of the New Testament still open to us?
25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.
So what did Jesus say here? A time is coming when I will no longer use figurative language. But what will we do? Tell you plainly about my Father. And the time is coming when I will no longer speak in this way. But we will tell you clearly about my Father.
Has that time come? What are we hearing?
Let’s get started with the lesson. I’ll let you reflect on that.
FOUR – Fulfilments
The open and sealed word. Do we understand the flo? Prophecy before it is fulfilled is sealed and cannot be fully grasped. When prophecy is fulfilled, it opens up and is able to be explained. Like Isaiah 7:14 – “A virgin will give birth to a child.”
Then 700 years passed when no one could fully know the meaning of that verse, because Mary and Jesus had not arrived yet. So when Mary and Jesus came, it became possible to truly understand Isaiah 7:14. There are many end times prophecies that follow this same pattern – warnings about the mountains, abomination, wars, famines, plagues, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, etc. What do these symbols mean and how can we know for sure? What must happen for us to fully comprehend?
The prophecies have to be fulfilled. As believers, we should be waiting for and watching for fulfillment. And once fulfillment takes place, we should be waiting for the explanation – “You say these things have happened, now explain it.” That is how we should be anticipating in the second coming.
Figurative Rod (Staff)
Main Reference:
I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.
Let us analyze this prophecy to understand its significance in the same context. Here we have a reed that is given to someone. I was given a reed like a measuring rod. The writer of Revelation is the Apostle John. As Apostle John sees the vision of Revelation, he sees a particular vision for which he is given a reed.
In context, a reed is a crop similar to wheat that grew commonly in the Middle East, especially in Egypt at that time. Reeds have a weak nature – they are easy to bend and break.
So let us note that John was given a fragile reed, but this reed had a specific purpose. It was given to him to measure. A measuring rod.
To understand this prophecy, first let’s comprehend what a rod is, as opposed to a reed. A rod is sturdy and strong – it does not bend or break. So to grasp the prophecy, let us examine and understand what a rod is.
1. Physical Characteristics of a Rod (Staff)
A rod or staff serves multiple purposes, as intended by God, according to Romans 1:20. Creation itself is a testament to God, revealing His nature through what He has made.
Let’s consider the various functions of a rod:
ONE – A rod is robust and supportive, assisting those who may need aid:
a. In walking: It’s beneficial for individuals who are physically weaker or older, providing support as they move.
b. To guide: For those with visual impairments, a rod can help navigate their surroundings, preventing falls or trips.
d. To protect: A rod can also serve as a means of protection or defence.
e. To correct: It serves as a tool for correction. As the Bible suggests, sparing the rod may impede a child’s growth into a responsible adult. Proverbs 13:24
A rod or staff is indeed versatile. However, we’ll focus on a specific type of rod today: the scepter.
TWO – A scepter represents authority, a symbol of kingly power signifying the right to rule. Only those with granted authority to rule and guide can wield a scepter, as seen in the story of Esther from the Bible.
“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”
The king possessed the authority to pardon any individual he chose, simply by the gesture of raising his scepter. Imagine, with just that action, he could declare, ‘I pardon you.’ Shortly, we will explore how the scepter is symbolically used in the Book of Revelation to significant effect.
2. Spiritual Meaning of Rod : The Word
First meaning: Rod = the word
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
What do we see here? The Lord is our Shepherd. I shall not lack anything. The Lord guides me. In verse 4, His rod and His staff comfort me. A shepherd takes care of sheep.
Let’s talk about sheep. In the world, believers are compared to sheep. The world twists what God says is good.
What are sheep’s characteristics?
Why does God say the sheep will inherit the kingdom in Matthew 25:31-46, but the goats, being stubborn and heavy-headed, will not?
Sheep naturally listen for the shepherd’s voice. They ignore all other voices. The shepherd’s staff has a hook to wrap around the sheep and pull them to safety. That’s why it says “your rod and your staff comfort me” – they guide me and correct me.
Let’s be like sheep – not gullible (easily fooled and lacking independent thought) as the world sees it, but knowing and listening to the Shepherd’s voice through knowing God’s Word. Sheep go wherever the Lord goes. They are obedient followers, not mindless but attentive to their Shepherd.
In essence, being like sheep in the spiritual sense is not about gullibility as the world perceives it. It’s about conscious obedience and discernment—following the Lord with intentionality and faithfulness.
You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
What did God say here? He said that we people are His sheep and He is our God. This compares people to sheep, similar to Matthew 25.
Let’s strive to be those sheep that God can guide with His rod. What then is the rod of God that He uses to guide us?
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God compares His word to fire, saying “Is not my word like fire?” There is another verse that also describes God’s word as fire. The fire is likely figurative, which we will explore further soon.
God also compares His word to a hammer that breaks rocks into pieces, saying “Is not my word like a hammer that breaks a rock to pieces?” A hammer is a rod with a blunt end used to deliver forceful blows. God uses this comparison to convey that His word carries out judgment, similar to how a hammer or rod executes judgment. The key message is that God’s word is like a purifying fire and an instrument of judgment.
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
What does this passage say? It states that God will judge with the rod of His mouth. In other words, what comes out of one’s mouth are words. So God is conveying that He will judge with His words. The rod that guides, protects and that we should hear and listen to is the word of God.
Are you noticing a pattern? We have analyzed numerous parables showing that the “rod” symbolizes God’s word. This is not an accident. God wants us to comprehend His word in many ways. God’s word grows, guides, rebukes, corrects, judges, cleanses and refines. It serves many powerful functions. That is why studying Scripture is so vital. A believer who does not recognize the value of studying God’s word is like a chicken with its head cut off – powerless. But a believer with God’s word has great power.
Reminder:
Let’s briefly review what we discussed. We talked about the first meaning of “rod,” which refers to the word of God. We described some physical characteristics of a rod. A rod can be a tool for guiding, rebuking, protecting, and correcting. It can also be used for walking.
An important point about a rod is that if it is being used to support someone walking, and they move past the rod, what will happen? They will fall. So where must the rod be positioned in order to properly support someone walking? At all times, it must be positioned in front of them. Otherwise, it is useless.
We can draw a parallel – where should the word of God be in relation to us at all times? It should be in front of us at all times. Otherwise what will happen? We will stumble and fall. Let’s keep the word of God in front of us as guidance, so we do not falter.
3. Spiritual Meaning of Rod : A Person with the Word
The second definition of rod, which is a person.
Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him.
Interesting. We see here in the book of Isaiah that the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, is compared to a splintered reed of a staff. Anyone who leans on the Pharaoh will be pierced. That was certainly the case at the time of the Exodus when God’s people left Egypt. The Pharaoh was not someone who was dependable, but the opposite of the Pharaoh was Moses, who tended to carry around a staff.
God even turned Moses’ staff into a snake, a miracle. And when Moses parted the Red Sea, what did he do? He lifted his staff. Moses was dependable while the Pharaoh was not. Both are compared to rods, but the Pharaoh was a reed that you can break.
So people are being compared to rods in the Bible, not by accident. God’s staff was Moses, and anyone like Moses becomes God’s staff – someone you can rely on. But Satan’s staff splinters you or pierces you, doing the very opposite.
An example at the time of the first coming: Whenever you think about John chapter 8, think of a war between two sides – two sides who claim to be believers, but only one side is true.
As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things.
So, at the first coming, who was God’s dependable instrument, who was God’s dependable servant? It was Jesus. He was the rod of God – someone that one could rely on in any situation to get them through what they needed to, with his words that guided, comforted, corrected. And his words allowed someone to live and act in accordance with God. But there were others who could not do the same; who had different words, which did not properly guide people.
44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
You do not hear because you do not belong to God. Jesus asked, “Are you children of Abraham?” You say, “We are descendants from Moses. We follow the law.” But Jesus said, “You are not children of Abraham. Abraham would have embraced me with open arms, yet you do not.”
Let’s look at another passage where Jesus rebukes those who are not dependable, Matthew chapter 22.
23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.
29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
Context: In Matthew 22:23, the Sadducees, who did not believe in resurrection, try to trap Jesus with a tricky question.
The Sadducees were the second largest group in Israel at that time. As mentioned in verse 23, they did not believe in resurrection. The Sadducees only read and believed the first five books of the Bible, disregarding later prophecies about resurrection in books like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
Imagine the Pharisees and Sadducees arguing amongst each other when they didn’t even share the same theological foundations – what a mess! Anyway, the Sadducees try to trap Jesus with an absurd scenario about a woman marrying multiple brothers after each one dies. They pose this tricky question because they don’t believe in resurrection themselves.
But how does Jesus respond? He says the Sadducees are in error because they don’t understand Scripture or God’s power. It’s impossible for them to be correct. The religious leaders who were supposed to guide the people couldn’t properly interpret Scripture (they were supposed to be able to read, but they could not). As we discussed earlier (Isaiah 29:11-13), the word is sealed to them because their hearts are closed.
Interestingly, Jesus’ second coming will have similarities to this situation during his first coming. The religious elite were ignorant then, and Jesus implies it will be similar upon his return.
4. Iron Scepter
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father.
The iron scepter is given from God to Jesus, to the one who overcomes.
Some Bible versions might say “those who overcome” as well. Going forward.
Jesus said, “Just as I have been given authority from my Father, so too will I give authority to the one who overcomes when Revelation chapter 2 is fulfilled.”
So let’s examine what Jesus means when he mentions authority.
Jesus has been granted authority over all people by God the Father (John 17:2). This true authority comes only from God. Specifically, God gave Jesus the authority to rule – symbolized by an iron scepter (Psalm 2:9). However, Jesus did not rule like a traditional earthly king. Rather, he preached the word so that many could hear, be cleansed, and be saved.
So this is not an authority to simply command others. Rather, it is an authority to guide using the word of God – which is represented as a rod or iron scepter. This could be described as ecclesiastical authority – authority in religious or spiritual matters.
As we study more, we’ll discuss further what this authority means for Jesus’ second coming and for those who faithfully follow him. But an important implication is that today we must be able to discern any claim to ecclesiastical authority. As 1 John 4:1 states, we need to “test the spirits” to determine if they are from God.
In summary, Jesus has supreme authority granted from the Father to rule in spiritual matters for the salvation of many. Moving forward, we must test claims of religious authority against Scripture.
Memorization
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Let us keep this concept in mind and engrave it on our hearts: God will judge with the rod of His mouth – meaning His word. He has given all authority to judge to His Son, Jesus Christ, who spoke God’s truth. The rod is figurative language referring to God’s word and those who wield it.
A rod can guide, comfort, and lead, as used by a shepherd caring for his sheep. This is similar to when Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” and told him to feed and tend to His sheep, meaning care for His followers. I pray we are all under the guidance of shepherds who teach soundly with God’s word, leading people to truth.
Review with the Evangelist
REVIEW
Title: Secrets of Heaven – The Figurative Rod
God uses physical things to explain spiritual truths, as stated in Romans 1:20. What are the physical characteristics of a rod? A rod is a tool used for walking and discerning, protecting, and guiding.
We also discussed the iron scepter, which symbolizes authority. The figurative rod has two meanings – God’s word itself, and the person who possesses God’s word. The rod gives comfort, corrects us, and guides us, as seen in Psalm 23.
There are two types of shepherds or people with God’s word – the God Shepherd and the Satanic shepherd. At Jesus’ first coming, the God Shepherd was Jesus, while the Satanic shepherds were the Pharisees and Sadducees who rejected God’s word. This illustrates the two spirits at work – God’s spirit manifested through Jesus and his disciples who accepted God’s word, and the satanic spirit manifested through the religious leaders who rejected truth.(Matthew 15:14)
Jesus is the rod of God and the iron scepter with authority to rule. His disciples also have authority through God’s word. The Pharisees lacked truth and were unable to properly guide people, like a blind man trying to lead others.
When following God’s guiding rod, we must stay behind it rather than running ahead without wisdom and discernment, or we may stumble. We must examine whether we are being guided by truth or falsehood, by those with God’s word or those leading us astray. Our hope is to be guided, protected and corrected by God’s rod in the end times.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Understanding the Figurative Rod: A Deep Dive into Scripture
I. Introduction: Unveiling Hidden Truths
- This section poses the question of the meaning of “rod and staff,” setting the stage for an exploration of deeper biblical understanding.
II. Foundational Concepts
- A. Review: Revisits the concept of figurative scales from a previous lesson, emphasizing the interconnectedness of faith and deeds in God’s judgment.
- B. Open and Sealed Word: Introduces the idea that some biblical knowledge is initially hidden and only revealed when the student is ready.
III. Decoding the Bible’s Contents
- A. Four Types of Content: Outlines the four categories of biblical content: history, moral teachings, prophecy, and fulfillment.
- B. The Challenge of Prophecy and Fulfillment: Highlights the difficulty of understanding prophecies, which are often sealed until their fulfillment.
- C. Jesus: The Opener of Secrets: Emphasizes Jesus’ role in explaining scriptures and opening up the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- D. Prophecy, Fulfillment, and Understanding: Explains the cycle of sealed prophecy becoming open upon fulfillment, using Isaiah 7:14 as an example.
IV. Deciphering the Figurative Rod
- A. Revelation 11:1-2: A Key Prophecy: Introduces the passage in Revelation featuring a measuring rod and its symbolic significance.
- B. The Nature of a Rod: Examines the physical characteristics and purposes of a rod, emphasizing its strength and supportive function.
- C. The Scepter: A Symbol of Authority: Introduces the scepter as a specific type of rod representing authority and the right to rule.
V. Unpacking the Spiritual Meaning of the Rod
- A. First Meaning: The Word of God: Explores the symbolism of the rod as representing God’s word, drawing upon Psalms 23:1-4, Ezekiel 34:31, Jeremiah 23:29, and Isaiah 11:4.
- B. The Importance of Scripture: Underscores the significance of studying God’s word for guidance, correction, and spiritual growth.
- C. Second Meaning: A Person with the Word: Presents the rod as symbolizing individuals who embody and wield God’s word, contrasting Moses with the Pharaoh in Isaiah 36:6.
- D. Godly and Satanic Shepherds: Explores the contrasting figures of Jesus and the Pharisees/Sadducees during his first coming, representing the two types of shepherds – those aligned with God’s word and those who reject it.
- E. The Iron Scepter and Authority: Analyzes Revelation 2:26-27, highlighting Jesus’ authority over nations, symbolized by the iron scepter, and the concept of ecclesiastical authority.
- F. Testing Claims of Authority: Emphasizes the importance of discerning true spiritual authority by testing claims against scripture (1 John 4:1).
VI. Summary and Reflection
- A. God’s Judgment and Authority: Reemphasizes the concept of God’s word as a tool of judgment and highlights Jesus as the ultimate authority in spiritual matters.
- B. Godly Shepherds and Guidance: Encourages seeking guidance from shepherds who teach sound doctrine and lead with God’s word.
- C. Discernment in the End Times: Underscores the need for discernment in identifying true spiritual guidance in preparation for the end times.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: Understanding the Figurative Rod
Key Concepts Review
- Figurative Scales: Represents God’s judgment of our faith and deeds. Both are essential for obedience and reflecting a genuine love for God (1 John 5:2-4, John 14:23-24, James 2:20-26).
- Open and Sealed Word: Prophecies and deeper spiritual truths initially concealed by God and revealed when the time is right (Hosea 12:10, Isaiah 29:11-13, John 4:24-26, Matthew 13:10-11).
- Understanding Prophecies: Prophecies are often presented in parables to protect God’s plan. They are sealed until fulfillment, at which point they can be explained (Isaiah 7:14).
Figurative Rod Explained
- Physical Characteristics: A rod or staff provides support, guidance, protection, and correction. It can be used for walking and defense. A scepter, a type of rod, represents authority and the right to rule (Esther 4:11).
- Spiritual Meaning:The Word: The rod symbolizes God’s word, which guides, protects, and corrects us like a shepherd’s rod (Psalm 23:1-4, Ezekiel 34:31, Jeremiah 23:29, Isaiah 11:4).
- A Person with the Word: The rod also represents individuals who possess and act according to God’s word, like Moses (Isaiah 36:6).
- Iron Scepter: Given to Jesus by God, signifying ultimate authority over all people (Revelation 2:26-27, John 17:2, 8, Psalm 2:9). This authority is used to guide and save through the word of God.
Short-Answer Quiz
- Explain the concept of “figurative scales” as discussed in the source material.
- Why does God present prophecies in parables? When does a prophecy become open and understandable?
- What are some physical characteristics of a rod that lend themselves to its symbolic meaning?
- How does Psalm 23:4 connect the shepherd’s rod with comfort and guidance?
- What is the difference between a sheep and a goat in the context of Matthew 25:31-46?
- Explain how Jeremiah 23:29 and Isaiah 11:4 demonstrate the rod as a symbol of God’s word.
- According to the source material, who was God’s rod during his first coming? How did he demonstrate the qualities of a rod?
- How does the example of the Sadducees in Matthew 22:23,29 demonstrate the concept of the sealed word?
- What does the “iron scepter” in Revelation 2:26-27 symbolize? What kind of authority does it represent?
- According to 1 John 4:1, what should we do when faced with claims of religious or spiritual authority?
Answer Key
- The “figurative scales” represent God’s judgment of both our faith and our actions. True faith is demonstrated through obedience to God’s word and expressed through our actions.
- God presents prophecies in parables to protect his plan from the interference of the evil one. A prophecy becomes open and understandable when it is fulfilled.
- A rod is strong and supportive, providing guidance, protection, and correction. It can be used for walking and defense. These characteristics make it a suitable symbol for God’s word and those who uphold it.
- Psalm 23:4 states “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” This verse likens the shepherd’s rod and staff to sources of comfort and guidance, protecting the sheep from harm.
- In Matthew 25:31-46, sheep represent those who listen to the Shepherd’s voice (God’s word) and inherit the kingdom, while goats represent those who are stubborn and do not heed God’s word.
- Jeremiah 23:29 compares God’s word to a “fire” and a “hammer that breaks a rock in pieces,” emphasizing its power to purify and judge. Isaiah 11:4 states that God will “strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,” highlighting that his word is an instrument of judgment.
- Jesus was God’s rod during his first coming. He embodied the qualities of a rod by teaching, guiding, and correcting with God’s word, ultimately offering salvation through his sacrifice.
- The Sadducees, who only accepted the first five books of the Bible, did not believe in the resurrection, a concept revealed in later prophetic writings. Their rejection of these scriptures demonstrates the idea of the sealed word—truths that remain hidden until the appropriate time.
- The “iron scepter” in Revelation 2:26-27 represents the authority given to Jesus by God to rule over all people. This is not a worldly authority but an ecclesiastical authority focused on spiritual matters and guiding people toward salvation.
- 1 John 4:1 advises us to “test the spirits” to discern whether they are from God. We must carefully examine any claim of religious authority against the truth of Scripture to determine its legitimacy.
Additional Questions
1. What is the true meaning of figurative rod (staff) and how many types of rods are there?
– Rod = The Word and Person with the Word
– God’s staff: true shepherd (Jeremiah 23:29, Psalms 23:1-4)
– Satan’s staff: false shepherds (Isaiah 11:4)
2. Who was the rod of God and who were the rods of Satan at the time of first coming?
– God’s rod: Jesus (John 8:40)
– Satan’s rods (reed): Pharisees/ Sadducees (Religious leaders) (Matthew 22:23-29)
3. What is the iron scepter and who receives it at the second coming?
– Iron scepter = Teaching (ecclesiastical) authority to rule
– OWO, The One Who Overcomes (Revelation 2:26-27)
Glossary of Key Terms
- Figurative Scales: A symbolic representation of God’s evaluation of our faith and actions, highlighting the importance of both for genuine obedience.
- Open Word: Prophecies and deeper spiritual truths that have been revealed and explained through fulfillment.
- Sealed Word: Prophecies and spiritual truths that remain hidden until the appointed time of revelation.
- Parable: A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, often used to conceal deeper truths.
- Rod/Staff: A physical object symbolizing support, guidance, protection, and correction, representing both God’s word and those who faithfully wield it.
- Scepter: A type of rod representing authority and the right to rule.
- Iron Scepter: Symbolizes the ultimate authority given to Jesus by God, representing his power to rule over spiritual matters and guide people toward salvation.
- Ecclesiastical Authority: Authority pertaining to spiritual or religious matters, derived from God and exercised through his word.
- Godly Shepherd: An individual who guides and protects others according to God’s word, leading them towards truth and salvation.
- Satanic Shepherd: A false leader who distorts God’s word and leads people astray, hindering their spiritual growth.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events:
This lesson does not provide a chronological timeline of events. Instead, it uses biblical stories and passages to illustrate the symbolic meaning of the “rod” in scripture.
Cast of Characters:
1. God: The ultimate authority and source of truth. God is represented as a shepherd who guides and protects His sheep (believers) with His rod (word).
2. Jesus Christ: The Son of God and the perfect embodiment of God’s word. Jesus is referred to as the “rod of God” and the “iron scepter,” signifying his authority to rule and judge in spiritual matters. He is the true shepherd who guides and cares for God’s people.
3. Apostle John: The author of the Book of Revelation. He receives a vision in which he is given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God.
4. Moses: A prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is depicted as a faithful servant of God, wielding a staff that God uses to perform miracles. He is contrasted with Pharaoh as a dependable “rod” of God.
5. Pharaoh: The king of Egypt during the time of the Exodus. He is portrayed as a “splintered reed of a staff,” symbolizing his unreliable and harmful nature. He represents those who oppose God and His people.
6. The Samaritan Woman: A woman Jesus encounters at a well. She represents those who are genuinely seeking truth and understanding of God’s word.
7. The Pharisees and Sadducees: Religious leaders during Jesus’ time. They are portrayed as “Satanic shepherds” who reject God’s word and mislead the people. They symbolize those who claim religious authority but lack true understanding and spiritual discernment.
8. Believers (Sheep): Those who follow God and His word. They are described as sheep who listen to the shepherd’s voice and are guided by His rod.
9. Non-believers (Goats): Those who reject God and His word. They are characterized as stubborn and unwilling to follow God’s guidance.
10. The “One Who Overcomes”: A figure mentioned in Revelation who will be granted authority over the nations and rule with an iron scepter. This person is likely a symbolic representation of faithful believers who remain steadfast in their faith until the end.
Overview
Overview: Figurative Rod in the Bible
Main Theme: This lesson explores the concept of the “rod” as a powerful biblical symbol representing both the Word of God and individuals who embody and wield that Word.
Key Ideas:
- Dual Meaning of Rod: The rod symbolizes both:
- God’s Word: It acts as a guide, protector, corrector, and instrument of judgment.
- People with God’s Word: Individuals like Moses and Jesus, who exemplify and teach God’s truth.
- Open and Sealed Word: Prophecy is initially sealed and difficult to understand. However, as events unfold and prophecy is fulfilled, the meaning becomes clearer, like the prophecy of the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14) fulfilled with Jesus.
- Importance of Studying Scripture: Knowing and understanding God’s word is crucial for spiritual strength and discernment, enabling believers to recognize and follow the true Shepherd’s voice.
- Discernment of True Authority: Just as Jesus challenged the religious authorities of his time, we must test claims of ecclesiastical authority against the Word of God. True authority comes from aligning with God’s truth and using it to guide and save others.
- Contrasting Shepherds: There are two types of shepherds:
- Godly Shepherds: Those who accurately teach and guide with God’s Word, exemplified by Jesus.
- Satanic Shepherds: Those who distort or reject God’s Word, exemplified by the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- Iron Scepter: Represents the authority given to Jesus by God to rule in spiritual matters. This authority is not about worldly power but the power to guide and save through God’s Word.
Important Facts/Analogies:
- Sheep Analogy: Believers are likened to sheep who should listen attentively to the Shepherd’s voice (God’s Word) and ignore other voices.
- Rod as Support: The rod must be positioned in front of the person walking for proper support; similarly, God’s Word should guide our steps.
- Splintered Reed: The Pharaoh, in contrast to Moses, is compared to a splintered reed, signifying unreliable leadership.
Key Quotes:
- Jeremiah 23:29: “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
- Isaiah 11:4: “He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.”
- John 8:44: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
- Revelation 2:26-27: “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received authority from my Father.”
Call to Action:
- Study God’s Word diligently to develop discernment and recognize true spiritual authority.
- Be wary of teachings that deviate from Scripture.
- Seek out and follow godly shepherds who faithfully proclaim and live out God’s truth.
Implication for the End Times:
The concept of the rod as God’s Word and those who wield it becomes particularly crucial in the context of the end times. As prophecy unfolds, understanding and following the true Shepherd’s voice becomes even more critical for believers to navigate through deception and remain faithful.
Q&A
Q&A: The Figurative Rod in the Bible
1. What is the spiritual meaning of the “rod” in the Bible?
The “rod” in the Bible has two primary spiritual meanings:
- God’s Word: The rod symbolizes the power and authority of God’s Word. It guides, protects, corrects, judges, cleanses, and refines believers.
- A Person with God’s Word: The rod can also represent a person who possesses and speaks God’s Word, acting as a guide and shepherd for others.
2. How does the example of a shepherd and his sheep illustrate the concept of the rod?
A shepherd uses a rod to guide and protect his sheep, gently pulling them back to safety when they stray. Similarly, God’s Word, and those who faithfully wield it, act as shepherds, guiding and protecting believers. We should strive to be like sheep, attentively listening to the Shepherd’s voice through His Word.
3. What is the significance of the “iron scepter” in Revelation 2:26-27?
The “iron scepter” symbolizes the authority that God grants to Jesus, and to those who overcome. This authority is primarily ecclesiastical, meaning it pertains to spiritual matters and the guidance of believers using God’s Word.
4. What is the difference between a “rod” and a “reed”?
A rod is strong and sturdy, representing dependability and trustworthiness. In contrast, a reed is fragile and easily broken, symbolizing weakness and unreliability. This is illustrated in Isaiah 36:6, where the Pharaoh of Egypt is compared to a splintered reed, offering false hope and ultimately causing harm.
5. Who are examples of the “God Shepherd” and the “Satanic shepherd” in the Bible?
- God Shepherd: Jesus is the ultimate example of the God Shepherd, as he perfectly embodies and teaches God’s Word, offering guidance, comfort, and correction.
- Satanic Shepherd: The Pharisees and Sadducees during Jesus’ time represent the Satanic shepherd, as they rejected God’s Word and misled the people with their own interpretations.
6. How can we discern true ecclesiastical authority today?
As 1 John 4:1 states, we must “test the spirits” to determine if they are from God. This means carefully examining the teachings and actions of those claiming spiritual authority, comparing them to the truth found in Scripture.
7. What does it mean to “keep the word of God in front of us”?
Just as a walking stick must be positioned in front of the person using it for support, we must prioritize God’s Word in our lives, allowing it to guide our decisions and actions. By keeping His Word at the forefront, we avoid stumbling and falling spiritually.
8. What is the main message about the figurative rod?
The figurative rod highlights the vital role of God’s Word and those who faithfully represent it in guiding, protecting, and correcting believers. It reminds us to be attentive to the Shepherd’s voice, to discern true spiritual authority, and to prioritize God’s Word in our lives to avoid spiritual pitfalls.