Our hands tell a story. They tell us when we’ve been in the water too long and when we’ve worked too hard. There are soft, smooth hands. Calloused hands. Red, work-worn hands. Hands with blisters and scarred knuckles from busting them on stuff. Jagged, broken nails. Nails bitten down to the quick. Long, polished, French-manicured nails. Our hands are scarred. Our hands speak volumes. Each wrinkle, scar and bump brings to mind a different narrative—a different story and moment in our lives.
How important are hands?
April 8, 2012 – Pastor Tim – Telling Hands – Click to download
We use our hands to gesture non-verbal expressions, such as hello, goodbye, you’re #1, to touch someone to get their attention, or to express kindness and love. We use our hands to be reverent to God in praise and worship services or to show appreciation by clapping. Hands build or destroy, compliment or insult, heal or even hurt. Hands are used in so many areas. Music, sports, writing, artistry, construction and so many more things that we cherish to do. We truly take our hands for granted.
Jesus’ hands still bear the scars. Even today, Jesus extends His nail-scarred hands to us. They assure us of His presence when we doubt. They lift us up when we stumble and fall. His hands reach out to comfort us when we mourn and to rejoice with us we celebrate. His beautiful, once-wounded hands tell the story of His love and care for us.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the wounds in Your hands, now healed, and the beauty Your grace has brought into my life. Use my hands to serve others in Your name. Amen.
This week’s scripture references (all verses quoted in New King James Version unless noted):
– John 20:24-25
– Psalm 46:1
– Deuteronomy 31:8
– John 20:27-28
– Acts 4:13
– John 20:29
– Psalm 63:3-4
Pastor Tim’s son, TJ Oates, sent us a video for Easter. He blessed us with a song, reminding us of Jesus’ hands and feet.
Be blessed by this video.