Hands

Throughout this pandemic the regular washing of hands has been a key message under the slogan of “Clean hands protect against infection” and adherence to this advice has no doubt reduced the rate of infection during this difficult time.

Although hands are delicate, they have a rigid and complex structure.  The joints and muscles in our hands provide us with a great range of movement which helps us to explore the world around us.

Throughout the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, when he was here on earth, HIS HANDS brought so much blessing to individuals and multitudes of people and Mark confirms “he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished…..and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by HIS HANDS?”  (Mark 6 v 2)

He restored the sight to the blind like the man in the early chapters of Mark “after that he put HIS HANDS again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly” (Mark 8 v 25). Those that were unable to walk were healed and He dramatically changed people’s lives through his teaching.

The Bible reminds us “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10 v 38)

The Lord Jesus lived a perfect life, but an appointed time came where he would be taken and crucified upon a cross.  So many years before this event this was prophesied by the Old Testament writers as we see in David’s writings “They pierced MY HANDS” (Psalm 22 v 16) referencing HIS HANDS would be nailed to a cross.

The reason why he died was to give us the opportunity to get right with God as he paid the price of our sin in full by shedding his precious blood. “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5 v 8) and “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9 v 22).

On the third day he arose from the dead and was seen by many and when he met with his disciples they were at first afraid and troubled until the risen Lord spoke to them – “Behold MY HANDS and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see;” (Luke 24 v 29).

The Lord Jesus then returned to heaven and he gathered his disciples “and he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up HIS HANDS, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven” (Luke 24 v 50 and 51)

Has there been a time in YOUR life when you have repented of your sin and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, why not TODAY?

Let us not take the attitude of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who tried to wash HIS HANDS of the Lord Jesus as he stood before the crowd.  “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed HIS HANDS before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” (Matthew 27 v 24)

Paul Cartwright