You’re walking into a job interview. You meet the interviewer. You’re standing there talking, and the only thing on your mind is, “What should I do with my hands?” Pockets? No, too casual. Behind the back? Too military.
When Bruce Jenner revealed himself as Caitlyn Jenner by posing for the front cover of Vanity Fair, the photographer had a problem. What to do with Jenner’s man hands. Solution: hide them.
Bruce tucked his man hands behind Caitlyn’s back.
That’s what happens when you’re uncertain. For as much as Jenner was coming out, there was also holding back.
Confidence with confusion isn’t confidence.
Jesus did the opposite. Jesus exposed his hands.
He held them out to his captors when they arrested him because he was preaching forgiveness and proclaiming that he is the Son of God. He stretched them out on the cross to be nailed as the sacrificial payment for your sins. When he ascended to heaven he raised his hands up to bless all who believe in him, promising to be with us always and on mission with us.
“For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done” (Psalm 92:4).
What should you do with your hands?
Extend them. Use them. Open them. Serve with them. Work hard with them. Fold them in prayer.
And do it with confidence because Jesus extends his hands to always hold yours.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:14).
PRAYER: I love your hands, Jesus, open and welcoming, strong yet gentle and caring, pointing the way, holding me, carrying me, crucified to purchase my forgiveness. Move my hands by your love, your strength and how perfectly you know the way. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read John 20:19-23. Jesus shows his hands with the nail marks to prove to his disciples that it is really him, appearing alive after he had been crucified. He still bears scars! They haven’t gloriously disappeared? Meditate on this, and what it means for Jesus and for you.
- Jesus does not cover up his scars, does not wear surgical gloves, and does not miraculously grow tissue and skin back over them to make them disappear. What does he want you to notice, believe and remember?
- You have scars. Battle scars. Perhaps physical scars of abuse or trauma or military service. Certainly emotional scars—a broken heart, a bruised ego, a burned bridge. All still there, not intended to be wounds but still scars. What does Jesus want you to notice, believe and remember about these?