23/03/2026
THE GIFT OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE.
Exod.4.17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs. God did not provide Moses with the rod, but rather utilized Moses' own rod. The question arises: what was the nature of the rod? The rod contained the word of God, as well as His power and authority. Moses was required to exercise the authority God had given him over his people with caution. The purpose of the rod was to demonstrate God's power through signs and wonders. God does not provide us with the rod to mistreat or take advantage of others, nor to intimidate them. God does not grant us authority to intimidate others with the rod. In Moses' hands, the rod was not an instrument to strike the children of Israel, but rather to demonstrate God's mighty signs to unbelievers. What is the nature of the rod? The rod is a gift that you possess, one that you have carried since before your formation in your mother's womb. God has called upon you to utilize the rod that you possess, but it is essential to remember that before God utilized Moses' rod, He empowered it, transforming it from an ordinary stick into a vessel for the word of God. God had to imbue the rod with His Spirit and power; otherwise, it would have remained an ordinary rod. Similarly, if you possess a gift, whether it be a calling to be a prophet, apostle, evangelist, preacher, pastor, or any other talent, God must modify it, imbuing it with His Spirit and anointing, in order for it to be effective. Many of us have misused the rod and the authority that God has granted us, believing that we have been given this authority to intimidate others or to exercise dominion over them. However, the purpose of the rod is not to strike the sheep, but rather to guide them. Often, we hear pastors standing on the altar, citing the Bible, which states, 'Do not touch my anointed.' They claim to be God's anointed, warning that if others speak ill of them, they will suffer consequences. We have witnessed instances in which pastors have publicly exposed individuals who have spoken negatively about them, using intimidation and misusing the authority granted to them by God. In the book of Numbers 12, we see an instance in which Aaron and Miriam spoke against God's servant, Moses. Moses did not retaliate or boast about the consequences that befell Miriam; instead, he interceded on her behalf, pleading with God to heal her. My point is that if you have been called and given a rod to serve God, use it wisely, for the purpose for which it was given to you. Do not misuse the rod or take advantage of others because you are in a position of authority. Why use the rod to intimidate people with threatening messages from the altar? 1Pet.5.2 - Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly .3 - nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Use your rod wisely.
By Tadeu Jorge Matos