Christian Ministry Articles and teachings: 1997, 'Hands

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Hands - Why We Raise Them
(Originally Written February 1997, Chris Williams)

WHY DO SOME CHRISTIANS RAISE THEIR HANDS IN WORSHIP AND PRAISE?

The day I accepted the Holy Spirit, God said to me "turn your hands up as you pray". Approximately one year later, as I was watching a documentary about Israel, I noticed an older Jewish gentleman I believe was a Hebrew Priest or Rabbi, praying with his hands turned up. Now my curiosity was peaked. Why do we turn our hands "up" in prayer? Why do some of us turn our hands up, raised in worship? Why had my Father in Heaven told me to do so? When I began to do this study, I was (after all these years) given a better understanding of why. Look, with me, at the exciting "revealed/revelation knowledge" our Lord has given us.

Most often, we raise our hands during worship and praise. What is accomplished through our raised open hands? To better understand why we extend our open hands (palms up), we must look at the definition of "Praise". (Psalms 9:1) I will PRAISE thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works" (KJV). The Hebrew word translated as PRAISE in this verse, is "yadah". It is defined by Strong's Concordance Of The Bible as:

["TO USE (i.e. HOLD OUT) THE HAND; PHYSICALLY, TO THROW (A STONE, AN ARROW) AT or away; especially to revere or worship (WITH EXTENDED HANDS); ....".] This word is translated elsewhere in the KJV Bible as, [(CAST (OUT), (make) confess (-ion), ... shoot, (give) thank (-ful, -s, -sgiving)." ] "Yadah" comes from a word defined as:

["A HAND (THE OPEN ONE [INDICATING POWER, MEANS, DIRECTION, etc.]. Strong's Concordance goes on to say, that "yadah" is different from the other Hebrew word "kaph", translated as "hand"; because "kaph" refers to the "closed hand".

In other words, this form of PRAISE is properly done, with our hands extended and open. I like to think of it as THROWING ARROWS (missiles) at our enemy, Satan. There is power in this form of worship. Have you noticed how the great mimicker (Satan) has millions and millions of people raising their hands (palms up) at all sorts of functions, including hard rock concerts. Do the people attending these functions know why they are raising their hands in the air, palm sides up? Did you know why you were raising your open hands in church, or anywhere else for that matter? Neither did I, until I started this study.

"Casting Out..."
Did you notice that "yadah", which is often translated as "praise" and "thanksgiving" in the KJV Bible, is also translated as "CAST OUT". Many Christians have learned to verbally "CAST OUT" Satan and/or his forces. Obviously, this also calls for extended open hands, pointed at the person or object, where the demonic spirit resides; thus in reality POINTING AT THE SATANIC SPIRIT.

THANKSGIVING
Is Thanksgiving the same as PRAISE? I used to think it was; but in reality, THANKSGIVING is only one form of PRAISE. THANKSGIVING, in the Old Testament, is defined by Strong's Concordance Of The Bible as:
(1)

["AN EXTENSION OF THE HAND, i.e. ...(*)AVOWAL, or ... adoration; specifically, a choir of worshipers"]. This word comes from the Hebrew word meaning:

"To use (i.e. Hold Out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands)....."]. This word is obviously "yadah"; the same word used above.

In the Hebrew language, your hand is either OPEN or CLOSED, depending on the word you use. Obviously, THANKSGIVING calls for our hands to be OPEN and EXTENDED. Again, the very definition of THANKSGIVING calls for the "open hand". ["An extension of the hand, i.e. ...(*)AVOWAL"; To use (i.e. HOLD OUT) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at etc.; a hand (the open one) [indicating POWER, MEANS, DIRECTION, etc]."

(*)"Avowal" is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as: "An admission or (*)acknowledgment. "Avow" is defined as: "(Latin - TO CALL ON, AS ADVISER); To acknowledge openly; confess".

(*) "Acknowledgment" is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as: "ADMIT THE EXISTENCE, REALITY, TRUTH OF; to recognize as being valid or having force or power; TO EXPRESS THANKS OR GRATITUDE FOR; TO REPORT THE RECEIPT OF; (Law) TO ACCEPT OR CERTIFY AS LEGALLY BINDING (Old English - ON + TO KNOW and KNOWLEDGE)]

The New Testament definition of "hand(s)" is very similar to those found in the Old Testament. Hand is defined as: "the hand - literally or figuratively (POWER); especially (by Hebraism) A MEANS OR INSTRUMENT". This word, may be from the base of a Greek word meaning: "TO POUR; (AKIN TO..THROUGH THE IDEA OF A CHANNEL, ...A STORM (AS POURING RAIN)... the rainy season...".

Our Hands
As we can see, our hands hold the POWER of God. They are God's INSTRUMENTS OF POWER. We give PRAISE and/or GIVE THANKS to God with our hands open and extended. In so doing, we are OPENLY acknowledging the existence of God, to God. We are bearing witness for God as to His reality.

In our open hands, we display and EXECUTE the POWER, MEANS and DIRECTION that God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Not only do we display and EXECUTE these for God, but we also display and EXECUTE them before all Spiritual Beings.

We are making a statement to God and His host (army), and to Satan and his host. We are not only "confessing" faith in the POWER of God; but we are also acknowledging all that God is. We are stating that we KNOW we are marked by, and with the POWER of God. We confirm to all that we are INSTRUMENTS OF POWER for God, through His covenant in Jesus' blood. We are stating that we not only accept, but certify that His covenant with us is legally binding. We thank Him for His Grace and all the wonderful gifts He continues to bestow upon us, and our sisters and brothers. This is true whether we are in worship and/or prayer with, or without, other believers.

(2) The same motion (open hands raised towards Heaven) is an offensive battle movement against Satan, and his host. You are literally, shooting spiritual arrows (missiles) and stones [remember what David did with a stone] at the forces of evil with and through the POWER, MEANS and DIRECTION OF GOD (HELD IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS).

I can not think of anywhere in the Bible where this is made more clear, than in Exodus 17:8-13:
"Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand'.

So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, WHEN MOSES HELD UP HIS HAND, THAT ISRAEL PREVAILED; AND WHEN HE LET DOWN HIS HAND, AMALEK PREVAILED. But Moses' hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur SUPPORTED HIS HANDS, ONE ON ONE SIDE, AND THE OTHER ON THE OTHER SIDE; AND HIS HANDS WERE STEADY UNTIL THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (NKJ)".

Notice that the Bible says, " WHEN MOSES HELD UP HIS HAND, THAT ISRAEL PREVAILED; AND WHEN HE LET DOWN HIS HAND, AMALEK PREVAILED". It does not say "when Moses held up his ROD, that Israel prevailed, and when he let down his ROD, Amalek prevailed". In fact, the Bible makes it very clear that both of Moses' hands were used during the battle. It says it took ONE MAN ON EACH SIDE OF MOSES, to support his hands, when "MOSES' HANDS BECAME HEAVY."

Laying On Hands
The Holy Spirit's power FLOWS through our hands, to accomplish God's Will and work. As you know, Jesus Christ calls for us to heal our sick in the church. As Jesus said, believers will "lay hands on the sick and they will recover":

(Mark 16:17-18) "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; THEY WILL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY WILL RECOVER." (NKJ)

We also know that, the Apostles GAVE the Holy Spirit to converts, through the "laying on of their hands:

(Acts 8:17-19) "Then Peter and John PLACED THEIR HANDS ON THEM, AND THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT. AND WHEN SIMON SAW THAT THROUGH LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLES' HANDS THE HOLY GHOST WAS GIVEN, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this POWER, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. [KJV]

AND

(Acts 19:6) And when PAUL HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" (KJV).

The definition for the word "lay" in the NT Greek is: "to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)". This word is the product of two words, meaning"[(*)SUPERIMPOSITION" and (3) "TO PLACE ... IN A PASSIVE OR HORIZONTAL POSTURE...".

(*)Superimposition is defined by Webster's Dictionary as,["TO PLACE (ONE THING) ON, OR OVER, something else"].

What does all this mean?
As the Holy Spirit (in us) FLOWS THROUGH THE CHANNEL OF OUR HANDS onto the "new convert" or the "sick", He is superimposed (placed) ON, or OVER the person in need. The POWER of the Spirit, flowing through your hands, places the needy person in the PASSIVE (HORIZONTAL POSTURE) of God's rest (which is His faith, in them and us).

"To Touch..."
(Matt 8:3) "And He stretched out His hand and TOUCHED him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed" (NAS). The definition for the Greek word translated as,

"TOUCH" is:
["TO ATTACH ONESELF TO"]. This word comes from the primary verb meaning, ["TO FASTEN TO, i.e. (specially) TO SET ON FIRE.] This is the only word used for "touch" in the New Testament; and it is used in the following "HEALING" verses (to mention just a few):

(Luke 7:14-15) Then He came and TOUCHED the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother" (NKJ).

(Matt 8:15) "And he TOUCHED her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them" (KJV)."

"The LORD Says That You Are Engraved In The Palm Of His Hand!..."
"Thus says the LORD: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You as a covenant to the people, to restore the earth, .... Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. BEHOLD, I HAVE GRAVEN THEE UPON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS; thy walls are continually before me." (Isa 49:8-16; KJV)

The Bible also tells us, that the LORD has put a "sign on your hand", so that the LORD'S Law/Word may be in your mouth. All this was done because the LORD brought us out of bondage (Israel from Egypt; Christians from darkness) "WITH A STRONG HAND"! (Exod 13:8-9) "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt. It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD'S law (WORD) may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. (NKJ)

Christ's Hands Were Nailed To The Cross...
Some would have us believe, that when Jesus was crucified on the cross the nails were driven through His wrists, as was the custom of the day. I assure you that He was nailed to the cross through the PALM OF HIS OPEN HANDS. Satan is, and always has been, aware of the SPIRITUAL POWER in the "Open Hand/Palm of God". Satan deliberately drove the nails through Christ's hands, in order to make a show of his spiritual penetration (as the opposing force) against the POWER of Jesus Christ, our Father, and His Kingdom.

We see this truth in Thomas' comments to the disciples; followed by Jesus' statement to Thomas (in the following verses):

(John 20:25-27) "The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, 'Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.'...And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, 'Peace to you!' Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."

By the way, this is the only Greek word used in the Bible, meaning "hand" (other than the words signifying "right hand", "slap with the hand", and "seized with the hand"). It is the same word that is used in the following examples:

(Matt 3:12) "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

(Matt 4:6) and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.' "

(Matt 8:3) Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And all other such verses.

Raising Your Hands Toward God, Should Never Be A Planned Movement; But Rather, It Should Be Manifested From The Love In Your Heart For God! Never Mimic Another’s Behavior Without Knowing Why. Get Into The Bible and Listen To God and Learn!

[NOTE: At the time this was written originally in 1997 I had not yet been taught about the freewill or heave offering which also is part of this particular form of worship. This original "offering" was, and should be now, given in order to confirm our "freely given" selves to God. This of course includes the deepest part of our being, which He originally gave to us, our hearts and minds.]

If you would like to print this and share it with your brothers and sisters in Christ, or the world, please feel free to do so. However, I ask that you always leave my name on the messages God writes through me; and never sell them. Thank you so much for your love.

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