A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Future Now)
Scripture for the Day (July 14, 2017)
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of the doctrines of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:12)
There are six doctrines listed in Hebrews 6:12 and “laying on of hands” is one of them. Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about the “laying on of hands” and what it is to be used for.
Most churches practice to some extent the laying on of hands for those being ordained and separated into the ministry as depicted in the following scriptures:
Deuteronomy 34:9 says, “Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.”
Acts 13:2-3 says, “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
However, the laying on of hands is not just limited to ordinations, but also for prayer to receive the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 8:17 it says, “Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” And in Acts 19:6 it says, “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”
The laying on of hands is also a biblical practice for ministering to the sick. In Mark 6:5 it says, “Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.” In Mark 5:22-23 it says, “And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.’” Acts 28:8-9 says, “And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went into him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.”
Finally, as believers we are commanded to lay hands on the sick. Mark 16:15-18 says, “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’”
When I am praying for the sick, here is what I like to share with people. I tell them that Mark 16:18 says lay hands on the sick and they will recover. Then I say, I have hands, and you are sick, so we qualify for that verse. Let’s pray!
Sometimes the simplest of actions can make all the difference. God wants us touching people. You have hands, so use them!
