Experience the awe-inspiring power of God through Christ. Christ’s strong hand securely holds you, guiding you toward the path of salvation with unwavering love.

In the Bible, God’s right arm or hand is frequently depicted as an omnipotent force (Deuteronomy 2:15; 4:35). The mention of God’s hand signifies His tremendous power (2 Chronicles 20:6; Acts 7:50; Heb 1:10), His ability to perform miracles (Exodus 3:20), His providential care (Psalm 31:15), His shielding presence (Psalm 139:10; Isaiah 52:16), and his righteous judgment (Psalm 32:4). Notably, God’s right hand symbolizes His omnipotence (Exodus 15:6).

However, in the message conveyed by the Holy Spirit today, the hand of God is depicted not as a divine hand, but rather as a humble and slender hand.

1. The Hand of Selfless Giving

Jesus’ hands bear the marks of sacrifice. They resemble hands stripped down to their very bones. As Isaiah 53 reveals:

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2)

Jesus gave up everything to redeem us. Though our human nature is frail, through Christ’s sacrifice, we are bestowed with celestial strength.

Our resolve to pursue justice often falters, and our determination to live righteously easily wavers. Yet, God shows compassion toward our weaknesses. In Christ, He fully understands and empathizes with our struggles. Christ’s love extends to each and every one of us, uniquely and individually. Just as devoted parents selflessly sacrifice everything for their children, Jesus’ love for you surpasses even that.

Moreover, Jesus loves you like a generous tree that gives its all to a friend. Consider the story of the benevolent tree: providing shade to a friend on scorching summer days, offering itself as lumber for the friend’s home construction. When the friend returns, old and lonely, the tree’s stump becomes a chair for rest and solace.

Yet, Jesus has lavished upon you immeasurable grace and love beyond comparison to the generous tree. He utilized His divine power, abundance, and holiness to restore each one of you to life. I pray that His vast and profound love awakens within you. May the Holy Spirit, the revealer of truth, fully manifest the love of Christ in your soul.

1. United with Jesus: The Vine and the Branches

In a profound revelation by the Holy Spirit, Christ’s slender hand appears as a branch from a vine. This imagery conveys a powerful message of our perpetual union with Jesus. The words of John 15 resonate with profound significance:

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

The Word of God holds tremendous power; it is alive and vibrant, far from a lifeless text. As we consciously engage with God’s Word, His divine power permeates our thoughts and lives. By cherishing His Word through remembrance and obedience, we find our dwelling place within it. It is our heartfelt desire to saturate our thoughts and hearts with the living Word.

Through this union, we become connected to Jesus, likened to branches intricately intertwined with the vine. Just as a branch draws nourishment and bears fruit by remaining firmly attached to the vine, we too find spiritual sustenance and bear the fruits of righteousness by abiding in Jesus. Apart from this intimate connection, we are powerless to accomplish anything of lasting value.

Let us continue to abide in the Word, remembering it, obeying it, and allowing it to fill our thoughts and hearts. In doing so, we embrace the inseparable bond with Jesus and bear abundant spiritual fruit through His immeasurable grace and strength.

1. Our Response to His Love

The recent message from the Holy Spirit conveyed through the imagery of Christ’s bony hands, serves as a reminder of the magnitude of love He has bestowed upon us. Jesus selflessly gave everything for our sake, pouring out His love individually for each one of us. However, upon reflection, I have come to realize that I have not fully reciprocated His love. How about you all?

The Bible guides us on various ways we can express our gratitude for God’s love. One of these ways is through remembrance. During the Last Supper, Jesus instructed His disciples to partake in the Holy Communion, urging them to remember the depth of His love. Reflecting upon His love, finding joy and being moved by it, and offering praise to God are ways in which we demonstrate our love for Him.

Additionally, we can display our love for Jesus by treasuring and obeying His Word. As John 14 reminds us, those who accept and obey His commands are the ones who truly love Him (John 14:21). Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to extend help and support to the marginalized and underprivileged. By engaging in acts of kindness and compassion towards the vulnerable in our society, we serve Jesus and demonstrate our love for Him. When we wholeheartedly practice unconditional love with joy, free from any biases or prejudices, our love is received by God with great joy.

Let us reflect on the love that Jesus has lavished upon us and seek ways to respond wholeheartedly. May we remember His love, keep His Word, and extend kindness to those in need, serving Him with joy and love that knows no bounds.

Conclusion: Receiving Christ’s Blessings

Christ extends His hands upon you, bestowing His abundant blessings. Through His touch, the boundless blessings of heaven cascade upon you. Isaiah 41 offers comforting words:

“Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

As you journey through life, may you find solace in the assurance that Christ’s hand is upon you, bestowing strength, guidance, and protection. God’s mighty arm serves as a shield, safeguarding and protecting you. His powerful right hand encompasses your entire life, infusing it with heavenly blessings. May His divine power remain ever-present in your thoughts and guide your actions now and always!

Day of Pentecost, May 28, 2023

Pastor John Kim, Lakeridge Lutheran Church