Borrowed Hands

Read: Hebrews 6:1-3

Introduction: The writer to the Hebrews says that the “laying on of hands” is foundational to Christianity (Hebrews 6:1-3). In the Scripture, this practise of the “laying on of hands” is used in many ways. Here are just a few examples of how Jesus can "borrow" our hands to bless others..

1. For Identification
When Moses appoints and recognises Joshua as his successor and Israel’s new leader, he lays his hands on him for all to see (Numbers 27:18-23). The early church did the same when they appointed the Seven servants (Acts 6:5-6). Similarly, the Antioch church laid hands before they sent Paul and Barnabas out as apostles (Acts 13:2-3). In each case, identifying and showing approval is significant to the act; which is why this kind of laying on of hands should not be done “hastily” (1 Timothy 5:22).

2. For Blessing
To pronounce a blessing while laying on hands was especially common in the early days of the Old Testament, among the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). In Genesis 27:1-40, Jacob goes to great lengths to steal his brother Esau’s blessing from their father Isaac. In Genesis 48:13-20, the elderly Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons by putting his hands on them. As part of God’s Law given to Moses, the Priests were to speak a blessing over the people (Numbers 6:24-26). And in New Testament times, Jesus Christ demonstrated this eternal practise by blessing and laying his hands on the children (Mark 10:13-16). While today’s Pentecostal/Charismatic churches have shyed away from having their ministers “pronounce a blessing” over the congregations. perhaps this has been to their detriment. We should be much more ready to “bless” people today in a deliberate and thoughtful way, and to release God’s goodness!

3. For Healing
This is a very common manifestation of the laying on of hands, and occurred innumerable times in the ministry of Jesus Christ (see for example, Mark 1:41 and 5:23). With the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts, believers such as Peter (Acts 3:7); Ananias (Acts 9:17); and Paul (Acts 28:8) lay their hands upon the sick and see them cured. This is not something for just leaders to do, as Mark 16:17-18 makes clear, but all those who have believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ and who have authority to use His Name! What an impact the church could have if every Christian obeyed this command of God to pray for the sick in their home places, work places and market places!

4. For the reception of the Holy Spirit
Central to the New Covenant is the gift of the Holy Spirit to the believer. In the Bible and today, His presence normally comes upon people through personal invitation and the laying on of hands. The Samaritans received the Spirit (Acts 8:17) as Peter and John prayed for them; while the young Ephesian believers received Him as Paul placed his hands on them in Acts 19:6. A careful study of the New Testament reveals that spiritual gifts may also be imparted through the laying on of hands (although this should not be considered a regular event). For example, Paul was eager to impart God’s blessing to the Roman church (Romans 1:11); while he encourages Timothy to use the charismatic abilities he had (possibly the gift of prophecy) that had been give to him through Paul’s hands (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). It is important to note that where this does occur, these gifts come through another believer, not from them at will. The Bible is clear that God alone is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17; Matthew 7:11). 1 Corinthians 12:11 states that the charismatic gifts are given as “He wills” not as “we will”! Even after gifts have been received, they need to be cultivated and maintained, as Paul's advice shows.

Conclusion: If this subject of the "laying on of hands" was foundational two thousand years ago, then it must be important today. God once asked Moses the question, "What is that in your hand?"  (Exodus 4:2). Perhaps He asks Christians the same question today. Peter and John did not possess silver and gold (Acts 3:6) but they did have Jesus' power in their hands to make a lame man walk. May disciples everywhere be encouraged to be a blessing to people, praying for them and believing the Lord to use their words and borrow their hands for the building up of others, not to their own glory but for the glory of God!