Hebrews 6:2a

Hebrews 6:2a

The laying on of hands

The 4th of the 6 “elementary teachings” is the “laying on of hands.” Frankly, in the Christian circles that I grew up in, this was a phrase that was unheard of, even though the preachers and teachers prided themselves on their Biblical knowledge and application! This was seen to be an Old Testament ritual. When a man brought an animal offering to the Temple for a peace offering or sin offering, he laid his hands on its head to demonstrate his personal identification with the sacrifice. In other words, he was transferring his identity to the animal. Perhaps the main point of the writer of Hebrews is simply that you don’t have to worry any more about laying your hands on Temple sacrifices, just lay hold of Yeshua, He is your ultimate sacrifice once for all. In its time that would certainly be a valid form of teaching for young and immature believers. But what about us?

In Acts 8:18 the Apostles laid hands on those who had believed, to outwardly show that they were to receive the Holy Spirit. A similar impartation was made when elders were appointed in the church, or a member was being appointed to a specific role (1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6) It is interesting to note that on some occasions, as recorded in the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was poured out on new believers without the laying on of hands! (Acts 10:44-46) However, Paul placed his hands on some new believers in Ephesus, and the Holy Spirit came on them. (Acts 19:4-6). 

In 1 Timothy 5:22 Paul urges that we should not be hasty in the laying on of hands. In other words, we should give careful consideration to when this is appropriate and to whom we do it! In the same way, it is irresponsible to receive ministry of this kind from people we do not really know. It seems that in those early, heady days of the church, the laying on of hands was a way of authenticating the message. This is not a formula for some deeply spiritual transformation; we do not have the power in ourselves to change anyone or anything! But, if God has spoken and we act in agreement with His Word then we may lay hands on others as a sign of His authentication of them or their role. The Bible does not describe any situation where this is mandatory or where the physical act is required for a particular ministry, neither does it say that this is no longer necessary. Just, don’t be hasty Timothy! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 106:13

Psalm 106:13 Do not forget We need to remember that Israel’s relationship with the Lord God was based on His laws and their obedience. It was possible for them to live lives that were highly blessed, that incorporated the provision of God in every tiny detail of their national and individual existence. God was prepared to give them everything they needed, He would provide food and water for them and their flocks. He would guide them on their journey. He would protect them from their enemies. He would inspire and direct their leaders. He would keep them from the heat of the sun and the terrors of the desert night. He would take them to the land that He had promised, in double quick time. There was no reason why they could not be in situ in just a few months. Everything they could possibly need was His to provide and He was willing to sacrifice anything to see them gratefully settled in Canaan.  There was just one snag, it all depended upon their obedience and faithfulness. God insis...
Read more
Psalm1:5       Our earthly journey will allow us, at times, to stand with the redeemed in holy awe and worship exhilarated by the presence of our Father.  In the Psalmists’ day these “assemblies of the righteous” would have been joyful times of worship at God’s sanctuary where music played, choirs sang and the people joined in the excitement and corporate wonder of being together in God’s presence. If our own church worship is anything, it should be a prelude to the time when we will join with a numberless throng and sing the praises of the Lamb and the One who sits upon the throne of heaven. Many go to events like Spring Harvest, Keswick Convention, New Day and the rest, primarily for this experience of joy and exhilaration.  Our earthly, joyful experiences are but a foretaste of what is to come and we are promised that we will join with heavenly choirs and our song will be “Worthy is the Lamb.”   Such music and exalta...
Read more

Psalm 119:83

Psalm 119:83 Wineskins in the smoke Well, this verse has caught us by surprise! What does it mean? As we will be aware, in ancient times, wine was not stored in purpose-made glass bottles but in animal skins. In order to keep the skin pliable and soft it must not be allowed to dry out for it would soon shrivel and crack. It follows that the last thing you would do with your treasured wineskins is to hang them up over a smoky fire, not only would they quickly wither but the smoke would clearly ruin the flavour and texture of the wine!  What does the author mean when he says that he is like such a wineskin?  It denotes the uncomfortable condition he was in or at least thought himself to be in; being caught in the midst of smoke is very uncomfortable, and he considered himself to be in darkness with sin and afflictions, like a wineskin in smoke, black and sooty. He felt like an empty wineskin with nothing in him. Maybe he was worn out with cares and old age and had become pale an...
Read more