Preaching on God's hand: Work, guiding, protecting, and even judging

The hand of God. This symbol speaks volumes about His relationship with creation and with us, His beloved children. From the moment of creation to our daily walk, the hand of God is at work, shaping, guiding, protecting, and even judging. Let us explore the multifaceted significance of the hand of God in our lives.

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1. The hand of God as a symbol of power and authority (Jeremiah 32:17)

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." In Jeremiah 32:17, the prophet acknowledges God's absolute power and authority in creation. His "great power and outstretched arm," often referred to as His hand, represent His unlimited ability to create, sustain, and govern everything that exists. From the vast expanse of the cosmos to the smallest detail of our lives, all is under the dominion of His mighty hand. Nothing is beyond His reach or His control.

2. God's hand guides us and directs our paths (Ezekiel 3:22)

"The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, 'Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.'" In Ezekiel 3:22, the prophet experiences the guiding hand of the Lord. God's hand is not just about power; it also signifies His leading and direction in the lives of His servants. Just as a loving parent guides a child, God leads us by His hand, revealing His purpose and the path we are to take. When we yield to His touch, we find ourselves walking in His will.

3. God's hand protects and delivers from evil (Psalm 63:8)

"I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." In Psalm 63:8, David expresses his deep trust in God's protective care. The Lord's right hand is not only a symbol of guidance but also of unwavering support and deliverance. In the midst of adversity, when we cling to God, His hand sustains us, shields us from harm, and delivers us from the grip of evil. We can find refuge and security in the embrace of His mighty hand.

4. The hand of God is an instrument of judgment (Isaiah 66:14)

"When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his enemies." Isaiah 66:14 reminds us of a solemn aspect of God's hand: it is also an instrument of His righteous judgment. The same hand that extends in blessing and guidance will also execute justice upon those who stubbornly resist His divine will. This truth calls us to reverence and to a healthy fear of the Lord, acknowledging His ultimate authority in all matters of justice.

5. God's hand raises up the fallen and restores the bowed down (1 Peter 5:6)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." In 1 Peter 5:6, we are exhorted to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, with the promise that He will lift us up in His appointed time. God's hand has the power to restore the broken, to lift up the fallen, and to renew those who surrender to His loving authority. Humility opens the door for His restoring touch in our lives.

6. The hand of God performs miracles and wonders (Acts 4:30)

"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." In Acts 4:30, the early church prayed for God to stretch out His hand to heal and perform miracles and wonders through the name of Jesus. God's supernatural action occurs when He extends His hand over His people. Throughout Scripture, we see countless instances of His miraculous intervention, demonstrating His power to defy natural laws and bring about His divine purposes.

7. The hand of God is with those who seek Him (Ezra 8:22)

"I would have been ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, 'The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.'" In Ezra 8:22, Ezra expresses his confidence in the gracious hand of God being upon those who seek Him. There is a distinct blessing, favor, and divine assistance that rests upon those who live in reverent fear and communion with God. His hand is extended in love and support to those whose hearts are turned towards Him.

Preaching on God's hand: Work, guiding, protecting, and even judging

Conclusion:

The hand of God is a powerful and multifaceted symbol in our lives. It represents His absolute power and authority, His loving guidance and direction, His unwavering protection and deliverance, His righteous judgment, His power to restore and lift us up, His miraculous intervention, and His gracious presence with those who seek Him.

Therefore, let us acknowledge the mighty hand of God in every aspect of our lives. Let us surrender to His authority, follow His guidance, trust in His protection, revere His justice, humble ourselves under His power to be lifted up, believe in His ability to perform wonders, and diligently seek His presence so that His gracious hand may be upon us. May we always live in the awareness of His powerful and loving hand at work in our lives. Amen.

Preaching on God's hand: Work, guiding, protecting, and even judging