Stretch Out Your Hand

"Stretch out your hand.” Luke 6:10

“Stretch out your hand," Jesus said to the man with a withered right hand, and the hand was restored. There is more to this story than a healing. In the Jewish mind, the right hand was the hand of power and strength. It was the "good hand".  You never shook another's hand with your left. You ate with your right hand and reserved your left hand for cleaning up dirt, cleaning your waste in the toilet. Remember that in Jesus' time. the Jews ate with their hands, no utensils.

Many biblical historians also surmise that this man was a stone mason and had crushed his hand while working. This man had lost his livelihood, his role as a provider and leader of his family, he lost his place in society, and his dignity. When Jesus restored his right hand, this man regained his role in his family and in his society.

There are too many in our world today in need of God's help, healing and restoration. Every night, my community comes together in prayer for our country, our church, those who are sick, who have lost their jobs, and lost their loved ones. There are just so many people and situations we need to intercede for. Yesterday morning we had a prayer meeting dedicated to the health workers serving in the front lines of this pandemic. We are all in the midst of a storm. Sometimes God calms the storm, and other times, God calms His children. That was the theme. 

Sometimes we are caught between a rock and a hard place. Life can seem hopeless and we can think we are abandoned by God. It may seem too simple, but if we stretch out our hand to God and stay in faith, He will touch us in ways that will amaze us. His answers may not be what we expect but trusting God is the best way to live our life. 

“Fear not! Stand your ground and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today... The Lord Himself will fight for you; you only have to keep still.” Exodus 14:13-14