SPEAKING POWER OF HANDS

“Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a MAN’S HAND, rising out of the sea!” – 1 Kings 18:44a

Today’s text illustrates the SPEAKING POWER of HANDS: “Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a MAN’S HAND, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, sat to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you”’ (1 Kgs.18:44). Following the contest on Mount Carmel, Israel acknowledged the Lord to be God, and consented to the execution of the prophets of Baal. In response to this fiery revival, God was ready to pour out blessing upon the land, but Elijah had to persist in prayer. Though the answer of our fervent supplications may delay, we must continue earnest in prayer, and not faint or falter. What is silently significant is the symbolic appearance of a HAND-like cloud to confirm the answered prayers. This soon overspread the heavens, and watered the earth.

Israel had refused when Elijah preached repentance to them. He then prayed that it would not rain, and it didn't. After the great display on Carmel, the people acknowledged that, "the Lord is God," and it was time to pray for rain (Jam.5:16-18). Elijah urged Ahab to eat, having heard the sound of abundance of rain, and knowing it would take some time to return to Israel from Sidon (v.41). So, Ahab went off to eat while Elijah climbed to the top of the mount, bowed his face to the Lord, and prayed. He instructed his servant to look towards the sea for signs of rain in the sky. But there wasn't a cloud to be seen. Elijah told him to return and look again. Six times, the servant returned with the same negative answer. After the seventh prayer the servant saw a cloud as small as a man's hand. Soon the sky became dark and it poured rain.

Elijah didn’t give up in despair after the third or fourth session! Even though God had promised that the rain will come, it was still essential to pray! Elijah got ready for the rain by praying for the rain. God declares His Will and expects His people to pray for it to come. However, the moment God spoke by the sign of a little HAND, Elijah knew that heaven had answered! Praying for the rain (vv.41-42) became pressing for the rain (vv.43-44). Elijah knew that HANDS SPEAK! He knew about the divinely-established Power of Communication in Hands. The appearance of the hand-like cloud was sufficient to assure Elijah that the promised rains were near and imminent. Great blessings often arise from small beginnings; showers of plenty from a hand-sized cloud! Thereafter, Elijah hastened Ahab home, and accompanied him.

Hands Speak! Beyond its obvious use in holding objects, the Hand is the most symbolized part of the body. It can represent action, authority, blessings, dynamism, diligence, favour, potentials, possibilities, skills, strength, power, protection, prosperity, generosity, hospitality, and worship. The act of ‘shaking hands’ symbolizes both greeting and friendship. Hand gestures vary as symbols. They can bless, consecrate, transfer guilt, and bestow blessing or healing. We raise hands to convey adoration or to swear honesty or love. We clasp hands to indicate alliance, peace, or friendship. Hands may relate to arrogance, cleanliness, innocence, or negligence. Clean hands were much more than the product of washing; they were symbols of personal moral purity (Psa.24: 3-4).

The ritual of washing hands expresses one’s integrity: “I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord” (Psa.26:6). We use hands to demand, dismiss, promise, summon, supplicate, threaten, express aversion and fear, or question and deny. Hands can indicate confession, penitence, hesitation, joy, or sorrow. Hands can be used to excite, prohibit, or express approval, wonder or shame! The expression “washing one’s hands of a situation” refers to Pilate’s efforts to exempt himself from guilt in turning Jesus over to the people for crucifixion (Mt. 27:24). Hands can be used to measure quantity, number, and time. Hands indeed speak! To what extent do we hear?