Work of the Hands
Originally scheduled for August 22
Have you ever considered the hands of those who prepare this
Communion meal?
·
Often enough,
those hands belong to those who are not public figures in the church. They’d
be sorely tried to speak in public.
·
Frequently they
are the hands of those who are old in years. It feels right that even in old
age your hands can help.
·
Certainly, they
are the hands of those who arrive early – they must finish before you can
begin.
·
Above all, they
are the hands of people who know that quiet, unnoticed service to Christ is
still just that: service to Christ.
Think, then, of Christ’s hands:
·
They were
hardened by work, strong enough to drive the traders from the Temple.
·
They were soft
enough to reach to the lowest and least. His hands dealt with lepers,
prostitutes and infants.
·
Most important of
all, they were pierced for you. They were nailed to a cross so that you might
live.
Now we may consider your hands:
·
They will hold
Christ’s body today – broken and bruised for you, dying in your place.
·
They will hold
Christ’s blood today – shed freely for you, that you might have forgiveness.
In the most spiritual sense, you will feed on Christ today.
In so doing you should become more like him – a little Christ, a Christian. So
it is that your hands become his hands, his work becomes your work – even if
it’s behind the scenes, even if it’s the little you can do. As you partake,
remember the Christian you are to become.
