What other biblical instances involve laying hands for commissioning or blessing? Commissioning Joshua: the Pattern Set “ He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.” (Numbers 27:23) With that simple, solemn gesture Moses passed visible authority to Joshua. Scripture repeats the pattern again and again. Old Testament Snapshots of Laying on Hands • Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons: “Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head… and his left hand on Manasseh’s head.” (Genesis 48:14) • Sacrificial identification: “He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering.” (Leviticus 1:4) • Setting apart the Levites: “Present the Levites… and have the Israelites lay their hands on them.” (Numbers 8:10) These scenes underline transfer—of blessing, of identity, of service. Jesus’ Ministry: Hands that Bless • “He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16) • Healing the multitudes (Luke 4:40) displays the same compassionate touch. While not a commissioning, it reveals divine favor moving through human hands. Early Church Ordinations and Sendings • Seven servants chosen: “They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” (Acts 6:6) • Barnabas and Saul sent out: “After they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3) • Timothy’s gifting: “The gift… given you through… the laying on of hands of the elders.” (1 Timothy 4:14; cf. 2 Timothy 1:6) • Warning against haste: “Do not be hasty in laying on of hands.” (1 Timothy 5:22) Hands and the Holy Spirit • Samaria: “Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17) • Saul of Tarsus: Ananias laid hands for sight and filling (Acts 9:17). • Ephesus: “When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them.” (Acts 19:6) Threads That Tie It All Together – Transfer of responsibility or blessing is tangible; God invites visible participation. – Authority remains God-given, yet confirmed through leaders’ hands. – Spiritual gifts often accompany the act, reaffirming that ministry flows from the Spirit, not mere ceremony. – Caution is urged: laying on hands must align with clear divine direction (1 Timothy 5:22). Living the Principle Today • Recognize that leadership and service are bestowed, not grabbed. • Approach ordination or commissioning moments with gravity and expectancy, just as Moses and the apostles did. • Cherish the continuity: the same God who empowered Joshua empowers believers now, often through the same simple, obedient act of laying on hands. |
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