Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
In my quiet time today, I read the story of Jesus healing (on the Sabbath) a man with a withered hand. If you want to read the passage for yourself, it is in Mark chapter 3 vs. 1 – 6. The words that really struck me were said by Jesus to the man. He said;
Stretch out your hand
(Mark 3 vs. 5)
As I prayed about these words, I had a picture of a child holding their grownups hand. I felt God was asking me a question, why do we hold a child’s hand? I have held my children’s hands (when they were younger) and, I have held my grandchildren’s hands, but why?
The most obvious reason for me was safety. Children have an uncanny knack of finding danger and so, I want to make sure they are with me and safe. Holding hands means that the child is kept close to you so that you can protect them.
Hand holding enables you to guide the child where they need to go. Children get easily distracted and, if there is a task to be done by a certain time, you need to get them to where they need to be. You know where you are heading. You can see the route and, with their hand held, you can steer and direct them
Holding hands also provides reassurance. If you are entering somewhere the child has not been before, your hand assures them they are not alone. Someone they feel safe with is there with them.
When you hold a child’s hand, it provides non-verbal means of connection. If you like, it is the way of showing you are present with them in that situation, you are there and aware. It is also a non-verbal way of communicating your love to the child.
I am sure there are many other good reasons but, these were the ones I came up with!
I also thought about those occasions when it has been the other way round, the child has reached out their hand to me. As soon as my grandchildren reach out their hands, it’s automatic for me, to reach out my hand to theirs.
In the Synagogue that day, Jesus spoke to the man and said;
stretch out your hand
Imagine, Jesus says that to you right now, would you? Would you stretch out your hand to him?
Do you need security, comfort or direction? Do you just need to know that he is there and you are not on your own?
Stretch out your hand
This is his invitation to you today
As I read this I thought of belonging. Maybe we don’t stretch out our .hand enough to our Saviour. Soaking up the words said by Jesus is healing.
When someone offers their hand in friendship or when we are feeling low, it is comforting to feel that connection.
We are meant to share each other’s burdens.