You Are in His Hands

Since the Bible frequently uses the term, "hands" for God (over 40 times in the New Testament, e.g., Acts 11:21), what does that mean for us?

1) In the Bible, the hand is the part of the body that carries out a person's will. So, to place ourselves in Jesus's hands is to put oneself under His authority (Genesis 9:2).

2) The "hand" represents strength or power (Exodus 3:19-20). He can do more than we could ask or think.

3) Laying one's hands on a scapegoat (Leviticus 16) symbolized transferring a person's sins to the animal as the sinner, who by that act, confessed his sins to God and trusted God to forgive him. We lay our sins on Jesus as our substitute.

4) Jesus put His hands on people to heal them, to bless the children, to touch lepers, to extend the warmth and presence of God. We, likewise, touch (literally) people with His love and grace.

5) Jesus is described as seated on the right hand of God the Father - the sign of co-regency - He is equal with the Father in exercising divine power.

6) The hand of Jesus is a place of safety and security - in John 10:28, Jesus says, "no one will snatch them (believers) out of my hands". ""Snatch" here refers to a closed fist where no one can pry open the hands of Jesus to tear you from Him - not even you!

7) Jesus was known to Thomas by the nail wounds in His hands (John 20:24-28). The core of His sacrificial love is demonstrated to us by the hands of His resurected body.

8) Jesus said that he drove out demons by the "finger of God" (Luke 11:20). That power has defeated our enemy.

You are safe today in His hands; you are always in front of Him - your name is engraved in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16); He is touching you and caring for you. . . . . .Who are you touching today with the hands of Jesus? Who will know that they have been touched with love by Him because they have been touched by you?

Thankfully Touched by the Master, Bob