making an impression

On that day, says the LORD of hosts, I will take you…and make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.  + Haggai 2;1-9, 20-23

Once upon a time, sovereigns and nobles would wear signet rings on their little fingers.  The rings themselves were symbols of power and identity, as were the impressions they made.  After writing a letter or document, the noble would drip hot wax on the closed document and then press the signet into it.  The impression left behind in the wax proved that the document really was from the one whom it claimed to be from: “The King was here.”

The promise in today’s reading was actually for Zerubbabel, a governor of Judah.  But I think it’s not too much of a stretch to claim that in Jesus Christ, God makes the same promise to us.  In our participation in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus through worship and service and learning, we too are being molded to fit God’s hand.  We too are wrapping ourselves around God’s little finger.  We too are becoming signs through which God tells the world, “I am here.”

Imagine: you, an ornament to the almighty hand.

Imagine: you, the sign and symbol of God’s power.

Imagine: you, the way that God is planning to make an impression on the world.

Imaging praying: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.  Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.  Wear me on your hand, and make me into a sign for all the world that you are real, and alive, and here, and in love with us.  Amen.

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A big thank you to Rev. Quinn Caldwell, pastor extraordinaire and regular contributor to the Stillspeaking Daily Devotional where this devotional was originally published.  To sign up for this inspirational resource, click here.  Also, thanks to KayVee in Sydney, Australia for this sweet seal of peace.