The Hand of God
—Three Wondrous Things that God Can Do
The Bible sometimes talks about "the hand of God" and what God’s hand can do. In this lesson we will consider three things that the hand of God can do.
But first I might mention that God is a Spirit so he does not have a hand like human beings have. Jesus says, "God is a spirit" (John 4:24). Furthermore, Jesus said, "A spirit does not have flesh and bones" (Luke 24:39).
So the term "hand of God" refers to the power of God. God does not have a hand of flesh and bone, but he does have [figuratively] a mighty hand of power to do whatever he wishes.
God’s Powerful Hand
“Then Joshua said to the Israelites... Tell your children, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, just as He did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.'” (Joshua 4:23-24).
1 God’s Hand Made You and Me and All the World
Long ago God existed and he made the land and everything that lives on the earth. And he made the seas and oceans and everything that lives in the sea. Also he made the sky and everything that is in the sky.
Now God who put everything here, he also made man and woman. This ancient pair are the father and mother of all human beings. Their lineage descends right down to us and every other man and woman (Genesis 1:1-31, 2:1-2).
The power of God is above all —above any other god or spirit. And God has a Son, Jesus Christ, whose power is equal to that of God his Father.
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together...” (Colossians 1:15-20).
2 God’s Hand Saves Us from Punishment for Sin
The Bible says that God saves us by his kindness (Ephesians 2:8-10). God sent his Son to die on the cross so that God could save us and his hand could take away our sins.
In addition, God gives us a promise of life that lasts forever. God in Heaven holds that life safe in his hand (John 3:16, 1John 2:1-2).
The Bible says, “You have given me Your shield of salvation. Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me. You broaden the path beneath me so that [I don't fall down].” (Psalm 18:35-36).
If you wish that God would be no longer angry with you, and you want his hand to take your sins from you, Jesus says that one who believes his gospel and is baptised, such a one God will save (Mark 16:16).
3 God’s Hand Helps Us in Times of Difficulty
In time of trouble we can be depressed and feel hurt in our hearts. We feel frightened, confused, sorrowful and sad. But worse, we may feel guilty. This is too big a burden to carry in our hearts without help.
But there is good news. God has the power to help. “[God says,] 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'”' (Hebrews 13:5-6).
God will help us just like he helped David the King of Israel. He said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).