"take my hand"
"The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number of them believed and were converted to the Lord." —Acts 11:21
God's hand makes it possible to convert great numbers of people. God's hand holds and protects us. Because there can be no snatching out of His hand (Jn 10:28-29), we have perfect security in His love. Even death cannot snatch us from God's hand, for the souls of the just who have died "are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them" (Wis 3:1).
If we sin, God's hand will weigh heavily on us night and day until we repent (Ps 32:4). His hand is so heavy because He loves us so much that He will try to prevent us from self-destruction through sin. In fact, our names are written on the palms of His hands (Is 49:16). Next to our names, His hands are also marked with the nails of His crucifixion and death for love of us.
God's hands are different than any others. His hands look and love differently. The risen Jesus is saying to you: "Take your finger and examine My hands" (Jn 20:27; see also Lk 24:39). "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb 10:31).
Prayer: "Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home."
Promise: "My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish." —Jn 10:27-28
Praise: Jim experienced chronic pain, numbness, and some loss of movement in both of his hands. Jesus did not heal Jim's hands. Instead, he gave Jim the Holy Spirit and the gift of healing. Jim's wounded hands have anointed and healed many people.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 9, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 15, 1996