Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series entitled, “Laying on of Hands” – the Lord said to Moses, “Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him…and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient” (Numbers 27:18-20). Beloved, this teaches us the honor of the “laying on of hands” when it’s done appropriately and correctly. We also see the benefit of “laying on of hands” as Joshua comes to his appointed place – “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him” (Deuteronomy 34:9). When someone is as ordained to lay hands on you as Moses was to lay hands on Joshua, their anointing is transferable. By lifting up his hands toward the people, Moses blessed them. This teaches us that the laying on of hands was an old way of imparting blessings unto the people (Leviticus 9:22).

Precious Ones, today we are commanded to be like Jesus in all of our ways. Paul said, “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Beloved, Jesus practiced the same “laying on of hands” in the New Testament as a way of imparting blessing and healing. According to scripture, “they brought young children unto him, that he [Jesus] should touch them…And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13,16). Again, scripture records that “he [Jesus] led them [his disciples] out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them…And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:50, 52). In each of these instances, Jesus used His hands as the means of imparting blessings.

Chosen Ones, today Jesus only works through certain vessels that He ordains to “lay hands upon” you or to impart blessings to your life. Remember, Jesus was ordained to “lay hands.” He said, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me…” (Luke 4:18). Here lies the key ingredient for a successful impartation – one must be anointed to “lay on hands”! This is why Paul tells Timothy to “lay hands suddenly on no man” (I Timothy 5:22). Why? Because you must pray and ask if God has ordained you to do this. If you don’t seek God’s divine permission before you “lay on hands,” then the second part of this scripture will be your reward – you will be a “partaker of other men’s sins” (I Timothy 5:22). In other words, whatever infirmities, demons, or strange spirits they have will be “imparted” unto you.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this…

It’s a privilege being your shepherd.

In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy