Shaking hands is a sign of warm welcome, alliance, and friendship, but laying hands is a forgotten legacy. Hands are meant for blessing, and hence Paul reminds his beloved Tim of the anointing he received when he laid his hands on him. “You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you to ordain you. Now I’m reminding you to fan that gift into flames. God didn’t give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord or be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God’s power, join me in suffering for the sake of the Good News.” (2 Tim 1:6-8) Blessing proceed as God’s chosen people extend and lay hands on His chosen people, as Israel blessed, “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth” (Gen 48:15-16). Waiting multitude looked for the hands of Jesus to touch and bless; when disciples denied, He extended His laying hands, “Then people brought little children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them” (Mt 19:13). Let’s bless each other and remain blessed.

Abba, we bow down before You to receive Your blessings. Let your Spirit bring us closer to Your Arms, in Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.