The Laying on of Hands

 

“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

—Acts 13:3

When Paul and Barnabas were selected to go forth into the lands occupied by Gentiles and share the good news of the life-transforming power of the living Lord Jesus Christ, they were set apart for this task by fasting, prayer, and by the laying on of hands. Dr. Luke records this event in Acts 13:3:

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

We continue to use this pattern to this day. When pastors are ordained, they are often surrounded by others in ministry who then lay their hands on the ones being ordained. This practice is also followed in churches that ordain elders and deacons, too. There is something very solemn and very special about this act of the laying on of hands.

As we begin a new day, we recognize that we are Christ’s ambassadors to a needy world. Our efforts in Christ’s behalf should be bathed in much prayer. It doesn’t hurt to fast as well as pray, either, if one is able to do so. And, when sent out to do a specific ministry, we should not hesitate to lay hands on the ones going forth as a symbol of their commitment and our support.

The call to serve Jesus is a serious calling that we should not ignore. And, we should do all we can to support those who are called to special roles of service. We should also remember that we, too, are called to represent the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

 

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