“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save” (Isaiah 59:1). The expression “hand of God” is found often in the Scriptures and is also used in many of our hymns. God’s hand is seen in so many marvelous ways.
The Hand of Creation. The hand of God created the world in which we live. We are living in an age of atheism and infidelity. The Bible account of creation is denied in leading newspapers, magazines and even in the textbooks of our schools. From where did the world come? There is but one answer: God’s omnipotent voice spoke, His hand moved and the universe came into existence. “Of old You founded the earth and the heavens are the work of Your hands” (Psalm 102:25).
The Hand of Providence. The hand that made us is also the hand that sustains us. “In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10). Of a certainty, we may know that God’s hand is in it all! The hand of providence is a hand of blessing and protection. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). His hands have repeatedly opened the windows of Heaven and poured forth abundant gifts to mankind (Malachi 3:10).
The Hand of Salvation. Man rebelled against the loving hand of God and sinned. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” (Romans 5:12; cf., Genesis 3:1-6). However, God in His mercy desires to save the sinner. He stands with outstretched hands inviting the sinner to come to the Him. “All the day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people” (Romans 10:21). The ministry of Jesus was the ultimate demonstration of God’s outstretched hand of entreaty to a lost world. “Come unto Me all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Yet, God does not save without the sinner’s consent, which is evidenced by his acceptance of God’s hand of salvation by obeying the Gospel of Christ. Sometimes we sing, “From sinking sand He lifted me, with tender hand He lifted me; from shades of night to planes of light, O praise His name, He lifted me.” We need to sing this song with understanding!
In Shakespeare’s play, Henry V, there is a conversation between King Henry and the Earl of Gloucester before the Battle of Agincourt, in which Henry soothes Gloucester’s fears that the French will attack before the English forces are ready. Gloucester says, “I hope they will not come upon us now.” To which King Henry replies, “We are in God’s hands, brother, not in theirs.” May God give us faith to say the same!
This article was written by Bobby Dockery who preaches in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and it was published in The Voice of Truth International. I thought this article was a good one, but there is a thought I want to add about our own hands. Paul instructed the Thessalonian brethren to “study to be quiet and to do your own business and to work with your own hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). James simply said, “Cleanse your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). Christians are first to take care of their sins, and then, they must use their hands to minister to those who are in need. The biggest need that most people have is to obey God. Therefore, Christians ought always to be reaching out to others with the Gospel of Christ. May God strengthen you in doing that!
