The Beauty Of Hands Lifted Up

Just for a moment, before reading any further, just simply stop and stare at this picture. Beautiful isnt it? These hands are the hands of inmates at a prison we recently ministered at.
I look at this and think to myself, these hands, who knows where they have been, who knows what they have done, these hands possibly have stolen things, maybe abused someone, these hands may have possibly pulled a trigger of a gun. There is One who knows these hands. There is One who has seen all the things these hands have done.

Now, for a second, look at your hands. Hold them up as you look at them. Where have they been? What have they done? See, there is no difference really. For all of us, have at some time done things, said things, that we have since repented of and found the beauty of His love in forgiveness. But the one thing that does make a difference is the hands that are lifted up in the mighty Name of Jesus, in worship of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Psalmist said, "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your Name" (Psalm 63:3-4). Did you hear the word "lovingkindness"? Did that one word stand out to you?

The upward reach of worshiping hands is a confession that God is above us. That He is in charge. That He is in control. Its our confession of Who He is. With those hands lifted up we are giving to God our praise and our love. Its our being, as children, reaching out to our "Loving Father." This is because His lovingkindness IS BETTER than life! Paul tells us, "pray everywhere, lifting up "HOLY" hands" (1 Tim 2:8). These hands, though they may have been dirty from the past, are and can, be made holy hands, by the love and forgiveness of our Father.
These hands are lifted because there is a deep heart desire of more of His Holy Spirit, more of His love, more of His presence.

It is moving to be able to stand on a platform, singing the praises of God, or teaching His Word, and look up and see this very picture. I often remember the cover design for a Bob Dylan album "Saved." Hands lifted to the One hand reaching back to lift us all up. Its truly beautiful. Its freedom in its highest sense. Its our hearts "chasing" after God's heart.

Be thankful. Be moved to the highest and most beautiful way of worship given to mankind. The opportunity to lift "Holy" hands in His Name. Because His lovingkindness is truly better than life.