Both hands.
Visualize both hands of Jesus, stretched out on the cross embracing the pain and suffering with the ultimate sacrifice of love for you. His right hand stretched out wide, and his left hand the same.
The imagery is amazing. The love of Jesus is wide open. He’s not crossing his arms. He’s not holding both palms outward facing you in the “stop” gesture, commanding you not to come any closer.
The hands of Jesus invite everyone. Any sinner. Any slacker. Any skeptic. Nobody is an exception when it comes to his dying love.
Both hands.
Your hands.
When someone raises both hands, that can be to surrender. “That’s it, I’ve had enough. I can’t fight any more. I give up. I give in. I’m totally yours.” Try it now. Raise both of your hands in the “I surrender” gesture.
As a believer, surrendering your will, your opinions, your dreams, yes your life to your Lord Jesus is the best way to experience more of him. And less of yourself. Trust the one who gave himself totally, vulnerably to you on the cross.
Let his hands give you free grace, guide the way, and embrace you in salvation.
When someone raises both hands, it can also be to celebrate. “Woo hoo! Wow! This is amazing!” Try it now. Raise both of your hands in the “Yes!! I won!!” gesture.
As a believer, you are never a victim. Never a victim of your circumstances. Never a victim of the devil’s temptations and lies. Never a victim of loneliness, fear, cancer, allergies, busyness, or company downsizing. You are always a victor over all those things because Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.
Jesus’ hands now rule all things, everywhere, all the time. He’s not afraid of anything. He’s not confused by anything. He owns the universe and all powers in it. And he rules them with his gracious, saving hands for your good.
“In your name I will lift up my hands” (Psalm 63:4).
So, surrender more and celebrate more. Lift your hands more. Let other people see you do it and ask what you’re doing, then tell them you are surrendering and celebrating because of Jesus Christ.
They may very well raise their hands, too. Praise the Lord!
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I lift up my hands to surrender and celebrate. You gave me the ultimate love by stretching out your hands on the cross. Thank you, Lord. I want to praise you more, and raise my hands to you. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Practice this in private. If you’ve always sat and folded your hands during your personal devotion time, just give this a try. When you are repenting, raise your hands in surrender. When you are praising, raise your hands in celebration. It can take you to a new place.