Daddy's Hands

          “For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.  But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.  For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”  Hebrews 6:7-10

          My daddy’s hands were most hands that did hard work.  Broad fingers, callouses, skin of leather.  I have watched those hands hold a hammer and drive in many nails.  Those hands utilized saws, drills, screwdrivers, and plenty of other hand tools.  They were tough with a sure, solid grip.  They could also play a six-string guitar with ease and dexterity.  With those broad fingertips, I had often pondered how my daddy managed to hold those single strings down without overlapping onto another string, but he did it.  There was power and control in those hands. 
          As rough and tough as those hands were, there was also tenderness in them.  They comforted me when I needed it most.  They were soft on my shoulder when he was helping me to understand what to expect in life.  There was love in them, to give equally to all his children.  Those hands had many qualities to them.
          During my study of Hebrews, I noticed how the writer shifted tones.  The one tone showed the seriousness of the consequences that would befall those Christians who were allowing themselves to fall away from God’s grace, choosing to follow a path of sin.  God, through the writer, makes His message clear enough that those choosing this life will not receive His inheritance.  The writer also makes it clear of God’s disappointment in those that were not committed enough to stay on the heavenly path.
          As we see in verse 9, the writer shifts into a very loving and compassionate tone.  Referring to the readers as “beloved”.  The writer continues to state that they are convinced that good things are bound for these people that have been falling short of their faith.  This is a sign of God’s mercy.  He stands willing to take His children back when we stumble and fall.  He will always stretch His hand out to us, to lift us back to our feet.  We just need to be willing to except His help and guidance. 
          God’s hands will be harsh at times.  We must expect this when we choose to push His loving nature and disobey Him.  To expect anything else, would be to show a lack of respect to our Creator.  We can only receive the gift of the kingdom IF we accept His will, fully, in our hearts.
          If you feel that you have been straying down the wrong path, take this moment to ask for God’s forgiveness and His guidance to help find your way again.