Have you ever thought of the importance of our hands? We use our hands to prepare and serve our families. We basically use our hands for every aspect of life. When we pray, we use our hands. Sometimes we use our hands to proclaim a blessing over someone. At other times, we hold the hands of one who is lonely or struggling. We grab the hand of a child to guide and protect them. Our hands are an extension of our care and love.
In the Old Testament Law, in regards to the offerings, we see that the hand was to be placed upon the animal before it was sacrificed, symbolically transferring the sin to the animal when confessed.
In the New Testament, Jesus laid His hands on hurting, sick people, transferring healing, and hope to them.
In both accounts, there is a transfer that occurs with the laying on of hands. Never underestimate the power in your touch.
On one account, “A ruler came and knelt before Jesus and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her and she will live.” (Matthew 9: 18) Jesus entered the ruler’s house, and heard the noisy crowd, and saw the musicians and mourners that were hired to play in the mourning ceremonies. He tells them to “Go away. The girl is not dead, but asleep.” (Matthew 9: 24) Jesus then takes her by the hand and she got up.
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him asking for Jesus to have mercy on them, and He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this? Yes, Lord, they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.
And their sight was restored.” (Matthew 9: 27-30)
God sees the preparations of our hands and the sacrifices made, as we use our hands to bless and serve one another. He has said to His people, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before me.” (Isaiah 49: 16) On those engravings, are the names of the tribes of Israel, on stones that were fastened to the ephod of the high priest as a memorial before the Lord. God has engraved YOUR name on His palm, too, as a reminder of who you are to Him, His beloved child. His hands carry us and restore us. He holds our heart in His hands when we are broken, and directs us in the way we should go.
“The heart of the King is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” (Proverbs 21: 1) God controls the lives and actions even of kings.
All of our circumstances and events in life are in His hands, too. He has said, “My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31: 15)
May our hands touch those who need a helping, healing hand. Our hands are an extension of His hands. “She extends her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31: 20)
(Matthew 9: 18-38, Leviticus 5-6, Proverbs 21, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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