The Guide for the Works of Our Hands

Prayer-Soldier

The Guide for the Works of Our Hands

Scripture:

And Philip, going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord were attentive to those things which were said by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did. For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out. And many, taken with the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

Now, when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For he was not as yet come upon any of them: but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands upon them: and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:5-8, 14-17)

But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asks you a reason of that hope which is in you. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer than doing ill. Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit. ( 1 Peter 3:15-18 )

If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father: and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever: The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, nor knows him. But you shall know him; because he shall abide with you and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees me no more. But you see me: because I live, and you shall live. In that day you shall know that I am in my Father: and you in me, and I in you. He that has my commandments and keeps them; he it is that loves me. And he that loves me shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:15-21)

Reflection:

What is the source of miracles but the Father? It was for this reason, Jesus told us that those who have seen Him have also seen the Father, for the Father is in Him as He is in the Father (John 14:9). He also told us that we may believe by the works He does and that if we truly believe in Him, then, we too may do such works and even greater (John 14:11-12). Should we, then, not be surprised when we read and hear that disciples and saints have performed miracles? It is through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit that our works may be blessed, both great and small.

The people talk and mummer as they see what cannot be explained, for in those moments, they cannot ignore that which comes from what is so much greater than they. But His work is not only the works of miracles, but also the small acts which go unnoticed by most, yet are recognized by those in need. Blessed are those who have the gift of healing, for through their hands, pain is removed and joy is restored. Blessed are those who offer kind words and hands of assistance, for through the work of their hands, blessings are given and received. He sees all which is great and small and is pleased by all which is done in selfless fulfillment of His commandments.

The lesson He has always sought to teach us is the power of what may be done through hands extended in love. It is our sin which confounds us, blinds us, and divides us. How is it that He told Peter: And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:1 Cool

; yet so many who say they are His followers point fingers at one another, render judgments, cast verbal stones and twist His Word to divide the faithful? Instead of coming together as one body, we find so many means through which we argue and bear false witness. Some go to great lengths to spread misinformation and lies so that they may wag fingers in self-righteous warnings as to the failings of others, yet they see not their own. In their deceptions, they wail as to those who are complicit with the evil one, yet, who is it that is served when false judgments are rendered and divisions are sown?

To follow as a member of His church requires great responsibility and endurance, yet, we must also consider we are sinners as much as anyone who has failed Him. We must be careful we do not enable sin through silence; but, in the face of our own sin, who are we to point, with vicious judgment, at the failings of others? The only worthy judge of the sinful is the sinless. It is but ours to encourage the sinful to turn away from that which leads them to darkness.

So, then, what shall befall the faithful who are stained with sin? Our hope, is found through the sacrifice made for us upon the cross. Our salvation gives us no license to persecute, rather, it calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven. The test, then, of what we see and what we hear is whether it is done to condemn or done as an example of the path to Him and away from sin.

Who do we serve if we cry out to point to the sin of others, yet, do not attend to our own? Who do we serve if we stand to oppress those who do not believe as we believe? Rather than spending our time in self-righteous judgment, we should pray in thanks for the forgiveness which was purchased for us upon the cross. While we must stand for our faith, we should seek to live as examples of the blessings we receive from Him so that others might be encouraged to inquire how they may also receive.

He has the power to judge the living and the dead, therefore, let us leave judgment to Him (Matthew 7:1-5). Rather than judge, let us turn our attentions to how we may share of our faith for His glory and so that we may extend through our hands the blessings which come from His (Matthew 25:31-46).

It has been the failing of the children of His creation that they argue among themselves and fail to see that to which He calls us. It is the failing of the children of His creation that some believe that faith may be spread through force and conquest. If He intended it to be so, then, why did He give us free will? It is because faith has no meaning if it is not a choice of the heart. We cannot force others to believe as He calls us to believe, we can only light the path just as He seeks to do for us. Blessed are those who share the blessing of His Word; not from which to judge, but to give light so that others may open their eyes to see.

His desire is that we choose to love Him; and if we love Him, that we will choose to live according to His commandments of love (Matthew 26:32-40). As we live by His commandments, we demonstrate our belief in Him and provide an example through which others might believe. The evil one has many means through which we may be drawn astray so that we may render violence and injustice to one another. Through deception, lies are camouflaged with truth, wickedness is wrapped in nobility and cause. What hope, then, do we have if we are confounded in our path?

If we have doubts as to what we should believe and how we should lead our lives, we should not fear for He has sent to us a guide for our soul. Through prayer, we may ask the Holy Spirit for understanding and He will not deny us. The Holy Spirit will lead us away from the temptations the evil one sows and guide us to the works we may do to share the blessings of His love.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier