The Lord is the source of all blessing - there can be no imparting, appointing, healing, anointing, fullness unless given by Him. The laying on of hands is an act of co-operating faith with the Lord and His Word. The Lord honours such action. Instances throughout Scripture demonstrate the ministry of the laying on of hands.

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Jacob Prophetically Blessed With The Laying On Of Hands (Genesis 48:14)

He spoke words of wisdom as he was carried along by the Holy Spirit, even his hands were guided in a remarkable way (Genesis 48:17-19 ).

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The Levite Priests, At Their Consecration, Laid Hands On Their Sin Offering (Numbers 8:12)

By laying hands on the sacrifice they identified with the offering and placed their sin on the sin bearer. Then, with clean hands they could serve. Our hands of faith upon God's Lamb cleanses and consecrates us to service.

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All Israel Was Commanded To Lay Hands On The Levites At Their Consecration (Numbers 8:10)

The congregation in this way declared their acceptance of the Levites' call and service. But more, by this action they pledged personal support of, and co-operation with the Levites in their service to God. A practice of the laying on of hands that indicates commitment before the Lord.

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Moses Appointed Joshua As The Nation's Leader By The Laying On Of Hands (Numbers 27:18, 23)

Moses first sought the Lord's choice in prayer (Numbers 27:15-17 ). Moses recognised the one God had chosen (Numbers 27:18 ). He did so before the high priest and the whole congregation (Numbers 27:19 ). Such appointment to so high an office had to be publicly witnessed and known to all. Moses laid hands on a man indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Numbers 27:18 ). By the laying on of hands Moses imparted part of his own dignity and authority (Numbers 27:20 ), and acknowledged the fullness of Joshua with the Spirit of wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9 ).

The laying on of Moses hands marked Joshua to be respected and obeyed by the nation. As leader, Joshua was charged to seek guidance of god through the high priest. Would that leaders of nations could be so appointed and charged today!

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Jesus Put A Blessing On The Children By The Laying On Of Hands (Matthew 19:14-15)

With such an example let there be no withholding of blessing from our children.

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Gifts Of Healing Are Imparted By The Laying On Of Hands (Mark 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:9)

Mark 16:18 "... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. " (KJV)

	Jesus ministered healing by the laying on of hands (Mark 6:5 ).
	Healing by the laying on of hands is one of the signs promised to follow them that believe (Mark 16:17 ).
	The Lord still works with those who go, preaching - believing (Mark 16:18 ).
	Signs and wonders followed the laying on of hands of the apostles (Acts 5:12 ).
	The heathen were brought to see God's hand through Paul's laying on of hands to heal (Acts 28:8 ).
	Special miracles were wrought by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:11 ).

Extraordinary miracles happened when the sick and afflicted sent handkerchiefs or other pieces of their own clothing for the laying on of hands (Acts 19:12 ).

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Gifts Of The Spirit Were Imparted By The Laying On Of Hands (1 Timothy 4:14)

In Timothy's case these gifts were given by prophecy, with the laying on of hands. It was a united eldership that ministered to Timothy. Paul also ministered to Timothy with the laying on of hands (2 Timothy 1:6 ). The impartation was actual - Timothy was not to neglect but to positively stir up the gift of God.

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Jesus Baptises In The Holy Spirit In Response To The Laying On Of Hands In Co-Operating Faith (Acts 8:17-24; 9:17; 19:6)

Acts 8:17 "Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." (NKJV)

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. When is the laying on of hands an action which the Lord can honour?
   • Is Jacob an example of the imparting of prophetic blessing with the laying on of hands (Genesis 48:14 )?
   • Would you say that Jacob's hands were directed and honoured by the Lord (Genesis 48:17- 19 )?
   • What do you learn about consecrated hands from Numbers 8:12?

2. What lesson would you see in Moses' appointing of Joshua as the nation's leader by the laying on of hands (Numbers 27:18,23; Deuteronomy 34:9 )?

3. Should the example of Jesus blessing the children with the laying on of hands be followed today (Matthew 19:14-15 )?

4. Can you tell an experience of healing being imparted by the laying on of hands (Mark 16:18; 1 Corinthians 12:9 )?

5. Do you have a testimony of the imparting of gifts of the Spirit through the laying on of hands (1 Timothy 4:14 )?