A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (June 22, 2016)
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
To someone in the world (and not the church) “laying on of hands” may conjure up thoughts like, “I’d like to get my hands on him for the way he cheated me!” or, “Just wait ‘til I get my hands on him!” In sharp contrast, God’s use of the laying on of hands symbolizes the bestowal of blessings, healings, power, authority, and/or distinctiveness and separation for certain tasks. It is a symbolic act designed to represent God Himself setting a person apart for a holy use, whether for service, healing, protection and guidance, or blessing.
I personally believe that the “laying on of hands” is a very important doctrine of the church (Hebrews 6:2) and emphasizes the critical need for physical human contact versus our ever ending fascination with social media.
Let’s take a quick look at several examples in the Bible where laying on of hands were used:
1. Blessing of Children – And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. (Genesis 48:13-16)
2. Healing of the Sick – Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him (Jesus); and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. (Luke 4:40)
3. Separation for Service – And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:5-6)
4. Holy Spirit – Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:17) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
All of these actions involved a physical touch, a “closeness” if you will. I can’t help but believe that our enemy knows that and if he can convince us not to become close with each other then he has just robbed us of a very important gift. It is so much easier to not get involved with people. It is so much easier to communicate via email, Facebook, and other social media. But, the miracles of God are often initiated through the compassion, emotion, tears, touch, hugs and prayers for one another as we gather together in person. There is no replacement for that.
If you have isolated yourself for whatever reason, we encourage you to come out of your cave and get involved with a good group of believers. If you don’t know such a group, we can help. Call us at 800-322-5220.
“Isolation breeds deception”
