We’re traveling in Bethlehem, not Pennsylvania but Israel, spending time on our own checking out the little town of you know where. On one of the main streets sits a coffee shop that causes us to burst out laughing. It’s called ‘Stars and Bucks’! Not getting any of their java juice, we segway into a nearby souvenir shop. Aggressive salespeople, retired used car salesmen I imagine, swarm all over us with offers of amazing bargains. Almost free! No cover charge!

One small figurine intrigues me. It’s a human form having three arms all contorted as if dancing. My only comment to the sales bloke is this–‘ You’ve got to hand it to him!’. Not sure my humor gets caught but none of our money is also.

The word ‘hand’ often shows up in the Bible. Usually, it means strength and power. In God’s hands, we’re safe and secure. He’ll handle whatever we need. In His time. In His way. To our liking or not.

Reading 1 Samuel 5 we discover that the ark of the Lord has been captured by the enemy Philistines and placed in their temple, subordinate to their god Dagon. But not for long. The following day, idol-worshippers show up, discovering that Dagon has fallen and collapsed into a heap of broken pieces, lying prostrate before the Ark of the Lord. The false god shatters in the presence of the true and only living God.

1 Samuel 5:4–‘…Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord, and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off…’ And 1 Samuel 7:13–‘So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.’

With the Lord on our side, when we’re a member of His family by believing in His Son Jesus, His hands surround us with love and protection. His hand in ours makes for a never-ending relationship. But don’t take this for granted. Habitual sin will not be tolerated. Yours or mine or anyone else’s for that matter. So, be careful lest you presume upon your spiritual status, thinking too little of your special place in God’s heart, doing an injustice to our Lord. You can tell when you’re getting too close to the edge. You’ll know.

I can. Coldness to my Bible, speed-reading a verse or two. Loosey-goosey with little, itsy-bitsy sins as white lies take on a darker tone with little notice. Old habits show up when least expected or needed. Prayer gets notched down a peg or three on my priority list. Money hoarded for me, I and myself. You get the picture. Not a pretty one at that. But certainly a modern art.

So, get off your high horse and grab Jesus’ hands. Let Him lift you up. He’ll dust you off and clean you up. In a sense, wearing the best new clothes money can’t buy. Perked up. Forgiven. Restored. Safe and secure from all alarms. Cradled in Jesus’ arms as His precious babe. This is exactly what He loves to do for you and me. You’ve got to hand it to Him!

Lord Jesus, you are my only source of security in this life. Thank you for never leaving me out in the cold. Amen.