Revelation 1:17, 18

“Then he placed his right hand on me and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I was dead and behold I am alive forever and ever.  And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'”

Now Jesus, having revealed himself in the amazing vision added a precious personal touch to John’s experience, literally, for there before John’s eyes Jesus came to him and, alas, He came close and placed his right hand on John. John knew that hand, that divine touch. He saw Jesus use those blessed hands so often in daily ministry to the needs of people.  John remembered seeing those hands doing the will of the Father.  Examples –

Jesus touched lepers and they were healed.

He took the few loaves and fishes into his hands, blessed them and multiplied them to feed thousands.

He mixed his saliva with the road dust and made a poultice that He applied to the man born blind who, behold, as Jesus touched him with his healing touch, could then see everything.

John was next to Jesus as they shared the Passover meal on that unforgettable night of Jesus’ passion. While holding in his hand the cup of wine he handed it to them to drink – his blood to be shed for them. Likewise the bread, which he carefully broke and handed out, his broken body. Oh, those hands!

He knelt down, took water into his cupped hands and humbly washed the feet of his shaken and perplexed disciples.

In the Garden Jesus reached for the ear Peter had just cut off and replaced it on the head of the servant of the High Priest, along with a justified rebuke to Peter.

His hands were pierced as they were nailed to the Roman cross outside the walls of Jerusalem.

Upon his resurrection he showed Thomas his hands. When Thomas looked at the outstretched hands of Jesus Christ, he said, “My Lord and my God.!”

Now John was overjoyed to see those hands once again and to feel that touch of love on his shoulder – 60 years later.  With that priceless touch, Jesus said calmly, “Do not be afraid.” John ‘s fears vanished like dew in the warming sun.

The vision had done its gracious work. Those hands are still doing what they did when Jesus walked among us. His hands go on touching, blessing and healing and will do so until the end of time.