03 12 08 Hands of a Holy Man

“So I want the men to pray in every place,
lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute.”
(1 Timothy 2:8 NET)

Paul is specifically speaking to men in this instance (as we can see he talks to the women in verse 9). It is Paul’s desire (and God’s) for men to be the spiritual leaders in the home, in the cities, and in the churches. Male leadership is needed and required. But it must be Godly male leadership! It begins with the man’s prayer life.

It used to be said that the hands of a hard working man were calloused and scarred, showing signs of work and dedication. Well, not every man works construction, farming, or hands-on in this day and age. But the HANDS OF A HOLY MAN are spiritually clean, caring, and willing to reach down and grab hold of someone in need. They are willing to carefully change an infant’s diaper, hold tight to a toddler’s hand, and gently nurture a teenager’s heart. The HANDS OF A HOLY MAN are willing to go into the fire of the oven and the bar-b-q grill, as well as stand up to the tests of serving, protecting and providing for his wife and his children.

Most of all, THE HANDS OF A HOLY MAN are peaceful, gentle, merciful, and prayerful. They lift up struggles to the Lord, where He knows his help comes. They lift up praises to the Lord for His gracious provisions. They lift up dreams and desires to the Lord, so He can make a way for what is really needed. Most importantly, THE HANDS OF A HOLY MAN extend from bent and calloused knees, a humbled heart, and a bowed head, knowing that anything worthwhile comes from God’s hands!

So men, we are thus challenged: Do we possess holy hands? Are our hands too full of stuff to lift towards heaven? Are we tired of letting our spouse, even our children, out-pray us, the God-appointed leader of the home? Are we willing to drop everything and ask God to fill us with His heart, His desire, His Spirit, so we can truly possess the HANDS OF A HOLY MAN? It’s a matter of bowing down and lifting up our hands to the Holy One who alone can sanctify our hands and hearts!