The right hand
I was in Eureka, California. The local church that I was visiting for a special series of teaching services is one of my favourite churches in the world. They have faithfully risked everything in their desire to make Christ known in a meaningful, intelligible manner; their worship of Jesus is passionate and raw. I was about to preach on the theme of the right hand of God’s favour, speaking on the Jacob/Ephraim/Manasseh story. No one in the building knew my text or my intention. Seconds before mounting the platform, Linda Abercrombie, one of the pastors, tapped my elbow and whispered in my ear. Linda has a remarkable prophetic gift, and manages to balance her anointing with a refreshing earthiness that is both winsome and engaging. I have learned to listen to her when she says that she has heard from heaven.
‘Jeff, would you please give me your right hand?’
My heart burst. She had no idea of my subject, could not possibly know the significance of her unusual request. But I gave nothing away, and simply asked why she wanted to hold hands.
‘God has just told me to anoint your right hand with oil. I know it seems bizarre, but perhaps it makes sense to you…’
Makes sense? I felt as if heaven was roaring out a thunderous shout of joy and approval, as minutes later I stood up to preach about the right hand of God’s favour, with my own right hand dripping with oil. It will come as no surprise to report that the Holy Spirit swept through the place that night in one of the most memorable meetings of my life. Jesus placed His right hand on trembling John. ‘‘Then he put his right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last’ (Revelation 1:17) How kind and tender is our Jesus.