Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

LAY YOUR HAND

August 10, 2009

We use the expression, "pat on the back," "Let's give 'em a hand," "helping hand"--the role of touch, literally and symbolically goes unnoticed.

So the Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him."
-Numbers 27:18-20 TNIV

So here is Joshua's ordination, the laying on of hands. It is not a mystical holy magic act, conferring powers upon Joshua, no. It is, however, powerfully symbolic. Moses and the people are saying, "You are in charge. We submit to your leadership; it is right and fitting for you to be in authority." And so it happened.

Oh, yes, the people of God quickly forget and the start grumbling and complaining--imagine that!--but they put their hands on Joshua, and when they did, they said, in effect, "Lead on!"

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson