PERHAPS the darkest image of Holy Week is the nails being hammered into the hands of Jesus.
I recall a hymn that said: "Hands that flung stars into space, to cruel nails surrendered."
The claim here is that those hands that were nailed on Good Friday were the hands that shaped the universe.
The author Max Lucado writes: "The pounding of the nails into the cross, was his pounding on the doors of heaven to open them to you."
In other words, the purpose of the Creator's hands being pinned to a wooden frame was to open the door of heaven to all who would open their hearts and lives to Him.
I suppose a boss going on holiday needs to know the business is in good hands.
Someone going for surgery needs to be encouraged that they are in good hands on the operating table.
Jesus makes a guarantee in John 10:28, that when someone trusts in His cross, nothing can snatch them out of the safety of His hands, and He allowed them to be pierced to make His the best hands that we could ever be in.
The Rev Simon Genoe
Rector of Magheralin and Dollingstown
