In Hebrews 6:1-2 we find the elementary principles of Christ which are foundational to our faith. Being foundational, we must every now and again review these doctrines in order to ensure that our foundation is ever intact. For when a foundation is tampered with, it is only a matter of time before a terrible destruction occurs. Last week we looked at the doctrine of baptisms. This week we shall look at the doctrine of laying on of hands, focusing at the four reasons for this spiritual practice.

The first reason for the laying on of hands is Christians to be filled with the Holy Spirit. An example of this is in the book of Acts. “. . . when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit . . . Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17).

The second reason for the laying on of hands is for the sick to be healed. Jesus did this in His ministry. As it is written, “. . . all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid hands on them and healed them” (Luke 4:40). We too, as Christians are called to lay hands on the sick and believe that they will be healed by the Lord. This command we received from Him when He told us that, “. . . these signs will follow those who believe: In My name . . . They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).

The third reason for the laying on of hands is for the ordination of Christians into spiritual offices or ministries. In Numbers 27:22-23, Moses “took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before the all congregation. And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated (ordained) him, just as the LORD commanded.” And in Acts 13:2-3, after the Holy Spirit had said to the prophets and teachers in Antioch to separate unto Him Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them, they fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them before sending them off.

In the book “I Saw Heaven”, Roberts Liardon recounts how as an eight year old boy, he was taken to heaven and Jesus ordained him for ministry work as He laid “hands” on him! Here is Liardon’s story:

Jesus took both of my hands in one of His, and placed His other hand on top of my head.

He said, “Roberts, I am calling you to a great work. I am ordaining you to a great work. You will have to run like no one else and preach like no one else. You will have to be different from everyone else.”

“Hard times will come,” He warned me, “but take them as stepping stones, not as stumbling blocks. Go with power and with faith. I will be beside you wherever you go. Go, go, go, go! God and do as I have done.”

The first time Jesus said, “Go,” the anointing and the fire began to flow from Him into me. That fire went from the top of my head to the soles of my feet . . . “

I pray in the name of Jesus that we all, together with our children, shall one day have the same amazing experience of Jesus Himself laying hands on us! Amen.

The fourth reason for the laying on of hands is to impart a gift or blessing on an individual. For example, “Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him,” (Deuteronomy 34:9). And while Jacob was pronouncing a blessing over Joseph’s two sons Ephraim and Manasseh, his hands were laid on their heads (Genesis 48:14-16). My prayer is that you and I will be found worthy recipients – by the laying on of hands – of great blessings or gifts. Amen.

God bless you.