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Jesus' Hands
The Creator of the universe purposefully scooped together a pile of dirt, fashioning it with His hands into a perfect being. After breathing life into his mouth God reached down, took Adam’s hand in His, and helped him to his feet. Later that day He formed a woman with His hands, presenting her to Adam as his companion. Often the Creator returned to the garden home He had designed for Adam and Eve, reaching out His hands in friendship and blessing. When they sinned He showed them His love as with His hands He fashioned garments from animal skins to cover their nakedness.
The Savior of the universe silently left His home; His place on the throne was empty. In a mystery too deep to understand He slipped into the womb of Mary. As He developed, tiny buds for hands formed, and then fingers with which he grasped the cord connecting His small body to the life blood of His chosen mother. Perhaps Jesus sucked His thumb. Following birth Jesus grasped Mary’s finger in His little fist. Baby hands reached toward her smiling face. Often Jesus put His small hand into the larger ones of His parents, depending on them for help and security.
In childhood and youth Jesus worked with His hands, learning from Joseph how to carve and cut wood to make yokes for oxen, or nailing boards together into furniture. His were helping hands, reaching out to the poor and suffering of His hometown. They were kind hands, giving hands, loving hands. In prayer Jesus lifted His hands to His Father, to receive that He might give.
In accomplishing His mission on earth Jesus employed His hands in constant service to others, extending them in blessing to those He loved, giving them all they would accept. To the sick and suffering Jesus reached out His hands to heal—touching lepers, the blind, and the lame. Children were drawn by His hands, comforted by their gentleness, and held in His embrace. With His hands Jesus broke bread to feed hungry multitudes. He stood in the storm tossed boat, hands outstretched over the stormy sea, and commanded the waves and wind to cease.
In Gethsemane Jesus clutched the dewy ground with His hands as He felt the presence of His Father being withdrawn. Those strong, gentle hands were roughly nailed to a wooden beam—stilled, but not stopped. As Jesus’ hands were fastened securely to the cross they were in the very act of giving. It wasn’t the nails that held His hands in that all encompassing embrace; it was love. Jesus stretches out his hands to the world, inviting all to come and accept His love.
Today before God’s throne Jesus holds His hands up to His Father, hands scared because of sin, and prays for me. In blessing He reaches downward touching my heart, holding my hands in His, hugging me. I know they are strong, for they hold me securely. I know they are gentle, because they sooth my hurts.
When Jesus comes to take me home to live with Him I will see His hands which minister unceasingly. I want to take His scared hands in mine, and in gratefulness for all they have done for me, I want to kiss them.
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