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God's Hands

by Maryellen Fairfax

 
God's Hands  (first sermonette on "hands")

 
Today, as you know, we are looking at hands, big hands, small hands, smooth hands, rough hands, God's hands and our hands.

• Did you know that each of your hands has 29 bones and 34 muscles?
• Did you know that one quarter of the part of your brain that controls movement is devoted to controlling your hands?
• Did you know that the human hand is unique in the way that it uses a thumb and four fingers? I mean, imagine doing up buttons without them! God really thought that one through.
• Did you know that some human hands can support the weight of their whole body just on a few finger-tips. God made hands strong.

Okay, so let me ask you a question. What do you think God's hands look like? Well, it's hard to imagine really, but, one thing I know for sure is that they are big. I mean, he has got the whole world in them, right?

But, what else?...

Well, the bible has a few things to say about God's hands.

 
God's hands are creative.

David says in Psalm 119:73 that 'your hand made me and formed me.'

Isaiah talks in chapter 45:12 about God's hands stretching out the heavens.

And, again in Isaiah chapter 29, he reminds us that children are the work of God's hands.

Since all of us are currently, or were children at some stage, that means that each person here is the work of God's hands. God made man out of dust, got down on his hands and knees, and made us in his own image. We are very special, and very precious to God.

 
God's hands made the heavens.

Sometimes we think it is amazing when someone uses his or her hands to make something or do something clever. Take Michaelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci for example. They are truly awe inspiring artists, and pretty much changed the world. Not many people can create what they created.

Or, Julian Beever, the amazing pavement artist. Although he isn't as famous as Michaelangelo, people are inspired by the sheer complexity and creativeness of the work that he can do with his hands.

But, none of these people can compare with God - in any way, shape or form. God is the greatest artist there is.

David says to God in Psalms 92:4, 'I sing for joy at the work of your hands.' DO you ever take time to just look at God's handiwork? To soak in the awe of what he has done for you and me, and been joyful for just existing, and for being a part of it? Why don't you spend some time this afternoon just looking and thinking about the awesome things that God has done.

He created everything! - The breeze, flowers, cells, you and me, time itself, water, food, the trees… everything on this earth, and the Universe. He created it wonderfully, and when he finished, he said it was good, and I believe that he still says that today - I mean, why would God stop creating marvellous things? He has a seemingly never-ending canvas up there!

To get a glimpse of just how big the universe is, I have a video for you now that will take you on a tour through our solar system and beyond. Take a look.

Did you know that what you just saw was just a glimpse of the 5% (optimistic figure) of the universe that scientists actually know about? And the universe is expanding every day, and it is expanding faster and faster!

God made all of that you just saw, and much, much more. The funny thing is, he wants to have a relationship with you and me. He is so big, and mighty, but he still wants to talk with us and get to know us. He created everything on the earth with his hands, and he sent his son to die for us! His ONLY son!

 
God wrote with his hands for us

Another more personal account of God's hands is found in Exodus 31:8, when we find him writing the Ten Commandments with His own finger.

The commandments again tell us how much God loves us and how he wants a relationship with us. And, In return he wants us to put Him first and to care for others.

In Isaiah 65:2, God is talking to the children of Israel and telling them how He held out his hand to them, but they just ignored him. This is just like holding your hand out to someone that is about to fall off the edge of a bridge, and them being too stubborn to take it.

Have you ever held out your hand to someone and they just ignored it? It makes you feel pretty awful, doesn't it.

How do you think God must feel when someone ignores his outstretched hands?

The good news is, however, that God doesn't give up on us. He still holds out his hands to us, even today.

Today, make a point of reaching out to God, and accepting his outstretched hands. Say that you will spend more time with him.

 
We are in God's hands

One of my favourite pictures of God's hands is in Isaiah 49:16

God tells us that he has engraved our names on the palm of his hand. When you write something on your hand, it is usually something pretty important - like tying a little string around your finger.

Just imagine it! God is telling us that your name and my name are written on the palm of his hand. We are so insignificant on this earth. We are the tiniest things in the universe, but our names are written on the palm of Gods' hand!

When Peter thought of all God had done he said: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up. Cast your cares upon him because he cares for you. There is no better place to be, than in God's hands.

There is no better place to be, than in God's hands.

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