Why are wands the magical implements of choice?

A magician without a magic wand seems like an amputee. Can anyone suggest just how came about this peculiar imagery?

I offer that any number of common articles could easily be considered as magical as a stick. A cup for instance.

Here are some ideas I have about the origin of this concept: Firstly, it is a stick that usually comes to a point. Since magicians deal with carefully directed magic, a pointed device would help put that magic exactly where they want it. Secondly, the bible has Moses carrying a magic walking stick, and the egyptian magicians he trumps carry them also. So it seems magical sticks go way back.