Hands On

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Acts 13:2-3 NLT

I was listening to a message about fasting today and in the process found this Scripture concerning the anointing before Saul/Paul was sent on his first missionary trek. The elders laid their hands on them after fasting and prayer, and MORE fasting and prayer. 

In the Old Testament book of 2nd Kings, Jehoash went to see Elisha when the old prophet lay dying, and during their encounter, Elisha put his hands on the hands of the young king as he gave Jehoash instruction. Two different scenarios, but both involved elders putting hands on the younger. I like the idea of hands-on active participation rather than just trying to talk something done.

The younger generation of today may not always realize that they need the older generation to help fulfill their calling. We may not bring the same gifts, but together our gifts are multiplied. The hands of the elders on the young ones, combining strengths. Pr. Franklin said it this way, "The strength of the young, the direction of the old. The zeal of the young, the wisdom of the old." The pattern of hands on is worth searching out. 

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for the anointing that comes with the laying on of hands. We pray for fresh anointing in our lives. Show us what to put our hands on to best serve Your purpose in our lives and in the lives of those You have placed within our sphere of influence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen