GIFTED HANDS

 

 

"The most eloquent prayer is the prayer through hands that heal and bless." - Rev. Billy Graham

 

Scripture reading: Hebrews 5:9-14 & 6:1-3

 

An eminent theologian called Sam Pascoe aptly described the progression of the church since its inception with this quote, "Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise." This statement couldn't be truer in our generation as we witness the breakdown of fellowship of believers, replaced by institutionalized religion and enterprise in the church. The 'Great Commission' was given to all believers and not just a selected group of people with letters before their names. The sharp differentiation between 'actors' and 'spectators' in the guise of 'clergy' and 'laity' respectively must be of concern to the church and every child of God. The Commission of the Lord was clear; "these signs shall follow the believers..." - Mark 16:17-18; the five-fold ministry functions "for the equipping of the saints (believers) for the work of ministry..." - Eph. 4:12; "God has dealt to each one (believers) a measure of faith... having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us (believers)" - Rom. 12:3-8; "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one (believers) for the profit of all" - 1Cor. 12:7.

 

In our scripture reading for today, the writer of the book of Hebrews lamented on the stunted growth of the believers. The believers at the time could not be weaned from spiritual milk to solid food in the Lord. They could not graduate from the elementary stages of the faith to the higher levels of knowledge in Christ. They kept on reciting 'twinkle twinkle little star' instead of progressing to the study of the stars. The word of God aptly described them as unskilled in the word of righteousness and babies in the Lord. The writer then exhorted them to leave the elementary principles of the faith and proceed to perfection via building on certain foundations. One of these foundations, described as an elementary principle of the Christian faith which every child of God must have under their belt, is the principle of "Laying on of Hands".

 

The principle of "Laying on of hands" is a foundational truth that every believer must understand and utilize in fulfilling the Great Commission. Unfortunately, the average believer is unaware of this elementary truth and has ceded this wonderful truth to the five-fold ministers. God's divine plans and purposes require human vessels for their manifestation on earth. This ordinance of "Laying on of hands" is one of the principal methods of impartation of God's power and blessing on the earth. The divine ability to transmit or communicate the power and blessing of God into circles of need via the hands of the believers is analogous to electrical wires which carry electricity to designated destinations from the main power grid. Throughout the scriptures, the hand is considered deeply significant in executing divine purposes on earth. A person's hands are his or her strength and power unto the performance of mighty acts as well as conduits of blessing. In several portions of scripture, God speaks of His active power on the earth as His hands. Jesus Christ's hands were significant channels of blessing, healing, power and virtue in His earthly ministry.

 

As the Body of Christ on earth, believers are the hands of the Lord and extension of His mighty power on earth. The doctrine of "Laying on of hands" is not only for pastors and the five-fold ministers. All believers have been given power to lay hands on people and things to release the blessing of God on them. It's a divine principle which has nothing to do with feelings and produces indescribable results in the lives of people. It's listed as one of the basic principles for the 'kindergarteners' of the faith. Therefore, if you haven't understood the principle yet and not operating in it on a consistent basis, it is time to study to show yourself approved as a workman of the Lord. The next time you receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on someone or something, don't defer it to your pastor; rather, remember that these signs shall follow the believers (not only the pastors and ministers), "THEY (BELIEVERS) WILL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY WILL RECOVER!" It's your turn today and henceforth, to exercise this spiritual truth in every aspect of your life. Prayerfully consider a test run today by the leading of the Holy Spirit. YOU HAVE GIFTED HANDS!

 

Memory verse: "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." - Hebrews 6:1-2

 

 

 

Rev. Dr. Isaac Paintsil ©