Thought for the Month

Hands are incredible parts of the body. We use them to touch, hold, push or pull, as well as to carry. They are used to clean our bodies and homes. They enable us to write, type, play musical instruments or sow using the thinnest needles or to treat patients at the doctor’s surgery or in a hospital theatre.

A baby is able to grip an adult’s finger very early although they find it harder to let go. They enable us to gently hold a baby or reach toward a toddler learning to walk.

Pens and pencils allow us to write or draw in fine detail. Sadly weapons of war can do so much harm especially "in the wrong hands!"

We use hands to greet friends and family and display affection. They are used to embrace those we love best as shown in the love displayed in Song of Solomon 8:3 to describe the love between Jesus and his bride and the bride for him, her beloved.

Hands indicate activity; the opposite of idleness. They speak of productivity in the service of one’s home, family or brethren. Solomon wrote of this in Eccl.9:10 in terms of doing good. There is the expression "turning our hand to" something when learning new skills or avenues of service.

The term ‘our heavenly Father’s hand’ is used to express his provision for us. This can be in terms of food or drink, including the provision of crops for food as well as shelter. All needed to sustain the basics of life. But more than this, He also gives us wisdom, knowledge and joy. (Eccl.2:24‑26) He gives "meat in due season" in relation to temporal and spiritual food. (Psa.145:15‑16) He directs our lives and educates us. He supports us. (Isa.41:13)

There are other expressions we use that involve the word "hand." We speak of someone’s "righthand man." A right‑hand man is the one who acts as their chief assistant and helps and supports them a lot in their work. (Collins) No one fully and perfectly fills this label as our Lord Jesus, the Son of Man, does. In Biblical terms this describes someone who has power and authority to act and rule on behalf of God. (Mark 14:61‑62) We look forward to that day when Jesus is revealed to all and is acknowledged as sovereign of this our planet in a much better way than how King Charles III is crowned on 6 May this year.

Another expression is "at hand." It refers to something being near or close in either place or time. Jesus said "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt.4:17) So it was, from Jesus’ physical presence and his timely message for all who have lived down this present Gospel age. (Christian era). Peter said "the end of all things is at hand." (1 Pet.4:7) Peter thought that it was close in terms of time. Indeed the culmination of the "present evil world" is at hand which means the blessings of Christ’s kingdom is at hand too.