The Fingerprints of God

Healing Hands, Faithful Heart

Compassion in Action

A Surgeon’s Call to Love the Marginalized

Pain as a Gift

Lessons from Paul Brand’s Life

Born in 1914 in the Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, Dr. Paul Brand’s life was shaped by adventure, deep faith, and a profound love for God’s creation. His pioneering work with leprosy patients, coupled with his unique perspective on faith, science, and suffering, made him a transformative figure. As Philip Yancey reflected, Dr. Brand’s life became an enduring example of gratitude, balance, and sacrificial love.

Gratitude: A Foundation in Creation

From his earliest years, gratitude permeated Paul Brand’s life. Growing up in the lush hill country of Tamil Nadu, he was immersed in the beauty of God’s creation. His mother painted sunsets with watercolors, calling young Paul to marvel at the colors, while his father, a self-taught naturalist, exposed him to the intricacies of the natural world. Termite mounds, weaver bird nests, and ant lion traps became windows into the Creator’s genius.

Shortly before his father’s untimely death, he wrote to Paul:

“God means us to delight in His world… Be always looking to God with thankfulness and worship for having placed you in such a delightful corner of the universe.”

This early immersion in nature nurtured a spirit of gratitude and wonder, themes that shaped Dr. Brand’s life and work.

• Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

The Hands of Healing: Tools for God’s Work

Dr. Brand’s medical career was defined by his groundbreaking work with leprosy patients. Returning to India in 1946, he spent eighteen years at the Christian Medical College in Vellore and later founded a leprosy hospital at Karigiri. His innovative surgical techniques restored mobility and dignity to countless patients, showing them the love of Christ through compassionate care.

For Dr. Brand, the human body was God’s masterpiece, each part intricately designed for a purpose:

• Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

His hands became instruments of healing, not only repairing physical injuries but also restoring hope and self-worth to those marginalized by society.

Pain as a Gift: A Revolutionary Perspective

One of Dr. Brand’s most profound contributions was his understanding of pain. He discovered that leprosy’s physical harm stemmed not from the disease itself but from the loss of sensation, which left patients vulnerable to injury. He came to view pain not as an enemy but as a gift, a life-saving signal that something is wrong.

Dr. Brand’s perspective extended to the spiritual realm, as he drew parallels between physical pain and the refining process of faith. He often reflected on the Apostle Paul’s writings about suffering:

• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This understanding helped Dr. Brand see pain as an adventure, an opportunity to trust God and grow deeper in faith.

Unity in Diversity: Lessons from the Body of Christ

Dr. Brand’s study of the human body inspired his reflections on the Body of Christ. Just as every part of the body has a unique and vital role, so too does every member of the Church:

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

He saw this unity not only in the Church but also in his medical work, where diverse teams collaborated to achieve a common goal. Dr. Brand’s life called Christians to honor one another’s gifts and work in harmony for God’s glory.

Balance and Joy in Self-Denial

In his tribute, Philip Yancey observed that Dr. Brand lived a “middle way,” balancing material simplicity with spiritual depth. He and his wife lived simply, growing their own vegetables and baking homemade bread, but they also embraced the joy of life’s little pleasures—marmalade, mangoes, and laughter.

For Dr. Brand, self-denial was not a burden but a way of life that brought freedom and purpose. He believed sacrifice was an opportunity for God to redeem hopeless situations, a principle he saw in the Apostle Paul’s ministry:

• Philippians 3:8: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Loving the Marginalized: Extending Grace

At the heart of Dr. Brand’s life was a commitment to loving the outcast. His work with leprosy patients reflected Christ’s compassion, affirming their humanity in a world that deemed them untouchable.

• Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

From childhood, he learned that Christian love is best expressed person-to-person. His parents modeled this as they traveled between villages, teaching health and sanitation, and he carried this legacy forward in his work.

Sacrifice and Joy: Lessons for Us

Dr. Brand’s life challenges us to reframe how we view sacrifice, suffering, and service. He understood that true joy often comes through pain and sacrifice, whether in the life of a musician, an athlete, or a follower of Christ. As Yancey observed, Dr. Brand lived out a philosophy that asked, “Is this what God wants me to do?” If so, he embraced the challenges with faith and joy.

Leaving God’s Fingerprints Everywhere

Dr. Brand’s life and legacy remind us that we are called to be God’s hands and feet in the world. As he famously said:

“If you are called to be the fingers of God, be sure to leave His fingerprints everywhere you go.”

This sentiment reflects the biblical call to live as Christ’s ambassadors:

• 2 Corinthians 5:20: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Conclusion: A Life Well Lived

Paul Brand’s life was a reflection of God’s grace, wisdom, and creativity. His gratitude, sacrificial love, and faith-filled perspective on pain challenge us to see every experience—pleasant or painful—as an opportunity to glorify God.

As we reflect on his story, let us ask ourselves: How can we leave God’s fingerprints in the lives of those around us? May we, like Dr. Brand, live with gratitude, serve with humility, and trust God to redeem every situation for His glory.

• Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the life of Dr. Paul Brand and his example of faith, compassion, and service. Help us to see the marginalized as You see them and to extend Your healing love. Make us instruments of Your grace, bringing dignity and hope to others. Amen.

Note: References in this blog on the life and work of Dr. Paul Brand are drawn from Dorothy Clarke Wilson’s Book “10 Fingers for God”, with a foreword by Philip Yancey

The Father’s Hands

 A Reflection on God’s Love

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Introduction

Henri Nouwen’s reflection on Rembrandt’s painting The Return of the Prodigal Son is a profound meditation on God’s love, particularly as expressed through the hands of the father in the painting. Nouwen draws attention to the details of the hands resting on the shoulders of the returning son, exploring their symbolic power. In this deeply personal and spiritual journey, Nouwen identifies with each figure in the parable from Luke 15:11–32: the younger son, the elder son, and finally the father. He especially emphasizes the father’s hands as a visual and theological representation of God’s boundless mercy. As seen in Luke 15:29–30, the elder son’s indignation over the prodigal’s reception reminds us of the tension between law and grace. Yet, the father’s hands reveal a love that transcends resentment, offering forgiveness, healing, and restoration. Nouwen’s insights encourage us to consider not only how God welcomes us but also how we are called to embody this transformative love in our own lives.

1. A Gentle, Healing Touch

In the painting, the father’s hands are placed gently on the son’s back. They are neither forceful nor withholding but radiate compassion and acceptance. Nouwen describes these hands as embodying the tender, healing love of God—a love that restores and reassures the wayward and broken. This touch signifies that the son, despite his rebellion, is wholly accepted and embraced.

2. Masculine and Feminine Characteristics

Nouwen observed that the two hands are different: one appears strong and masculine, while the other is slender and more feminine. This duality reflects the completeness of God’s love, which encompasses both strength and tenderness. It reassures us that God meets us in our vulnerability with both protective power and nurturing care.

3. The Act of Blessing

The placement of the hands conveys a silent blessing. It is as if the father is not only forgiving but also commissioning the son, restoring him to a place of honor and dignity. In Nouwen’s view, this echoes the way God restores His children, not simply forgiving their sins but also inviting them to participate anew in His purposes.

4. Open Hands of Welcome

The hands represent openness—a readiness to receive without condition. They reflect the kind of love described in Psalm 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” God’s hands are always extended toward us, offering forgiveness and grace.

5. A Call to Imitation

Nouwen also challenges readers to see themselves as the father in the story, called to extend God’s love to others. Just as the father’s hands in the painting radiate acceptance and love, so too are we invited to embody that love in our relationships, offering compassion, forgiveness, and welcome.

God’s Hands in Scripture

• Isaiah 41:10: “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God’s hands are not only tender but also strong, holding and sustaining His children.

• Psalm 139:5: “You hem me in, behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” This verse reflects the intimacy and protection of God’s touch.

• John 10:28-29: Jesus assures us that no one can snatch us out of His hand or the Father’s hand, underscoring the security found in God’s love.

Application

Nouwen’s reflection invites us to consider how God’s hands have shaped, held, and guided us through life, offering a constant reminder of His faithfulness. The father’s hands in Rembrandt’s painting are not merely symbols of forgiveness but are also deeply restorative, bringing the prodigal son back into relationship and community. Like the son, we may feel unworthy after our failures, believing we’ve strayed too far to be accepted. Yet, those hands reflect the truth of God’s grace—an unconditional embrace that silences shame and restores dignity.

In a world often marked by rejection, fear, and broken relationships, the father’s hands model a love that is not transactional but transformative. They challenge us to trust in the security of God’s love, to rest in His compassion, and to extend that love outward. We are called to become “hands of grace” in our interactions, embodying God’s tenderness and strength to welcome, restore, and heal others. Nouwen reminds us that, like the father, we too can reflect God’s divine love by offering forgiveness and blessing to those in need of hope and belonging.

Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for the healing power of Your hands, always ready to welcome us home. Teach us to rest in Your embrace and trust in Your unfailing love. Shape our hearts to reflect Your compassion, that we may extend grace and forgiveness to others. Help us to become instruments of Your love in a world longing for healing. May we, like the father in the parable, embody Your mercy and restoration, drawing others to You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

For Such a Time as This

The Hidden Hand of God

Esther’s Courage and Divine Deliverance

Trusting God’s Plan

A Call to Stand Against Injustice with Wisdom and Faith

The Book of Esther is a dramatic and inspiring account of God’s providence, set against the opulence and intrigue of the Persian Empire. Taking place around 470 B.C., Esther’s story unfolds in the royal palace of Susa during the reign of King Xerxes I. It follows a young Jewish woman, Esther, who rises to the position of queen and courageously intervenes to save her people from a plot of annihilation orchestrated by the wicked Haman. Though God’s name is never explicitly mentioned, His sovereign hand is evident throughout, guiding events to deliver His people and fulfill His purposes.

Esther’s narrative is a powerful testament to how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to fulfill His purposes. Despite her humble beginnings, Esther rose to a position of influence, and her courage in approaching King Xerxes (Esther 4:16) demonstrates how faith in God empowers even the seemingly powerless. Mordecai’s wisdom and steadfastness further highlight how human courage, guided by divine wisdom, can accomplish God’s eternal plan. Together, they remind us that God often works through ordinary people, equipping them to act boldly and faithfully for His glory, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Sovereign Love

How God’s Grace Worked Through the King for Esther’s Favor

Sovereign love is God’s perfect, all-powerful love that works through His complete control over all things to fulfill His purposes. In Esther’s story, it means that God guided the king’s heart to favor her (Esther 2:17), ensuring His plan to protect His people would succeed. This love assures us that God’s grace is always at work, even through human decisions and circumstances, to accomplish His divine will.

Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” This verse reinforces that God’s sovereign love guided Xerxes to elevate Esther, positioning her to save her people. Esther’s favor with the king was less about his personal affection and more about God’s grace at work, fulfilling His purposes. Her story reminds us that God’s love transcends human motives, using even flawed individuals to accomplish His divine will.

Wisdom in a Hostile World

Mordecai’s wisdom in navigating the Persian court (Esther 2:19-23) reflects the need for discernment as believers in a secular world. Despite serving in a royal environment filled with idolatry and corruption, Mordecai remained faithful to God while respecting the authority of King Xerxes. When he uncovered a plot against the king, he acted with loyalty, demonstrating a commitment to justice without compromising his faith. 

William Barclay wrote, “Wisdom is the practical outworking of the grace of God,” and Mordecai’s actions exemplify this truth. He teaches us the importance of balancing respect for earthly authority with unwavering devotion to God’s principles. Mordecai’s faithfulness, combined with his strategic insight, underscores that God can work through our wisdom and integrity to accomplish His divine purposes, even in hostile or challenging environments.

A Call to Stand Against Injustice

Haman’s racial hatred against the Jews (Esther 3:5-6) reveals the destructive power of pride and prejudice. Consumed by arrogance and a personal vendetta against Mordecai, Haman sought not only to destroy one man but an entire people group. His actions reveal how unchecked pride fosters hatred and division. 

Rick Warren reminds us, “God calls His people to be agents of justice and reconciliation in a broken world.” Esther’s story compels us to confront such injustice with humility, courage, and unwavering faith in God. By risking her life to expose Haman’s plot, Esther demonstrated how faithfulness to God’s purposes can overturn even the most entrenched evil. Her example calls us to stand against discrimination and injustice, trusting that God’s sovereignty will prevail over human wickedness.

God’s Sovereignty

The pivotal verse of Esther 4:14—“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”—reminds us that God positions His people where they are most needed for His purposes. N.T. Wright notes, “God’s sovereignty doesn’t negate our responsibility; rather, it invites us to partner with Him in His divine plan.” Like Esther, we may not see the full picture, but we can trust God’s perfect control.

Courage and Action

Esther’s courage in approaching King Xerxes, knowing it could cost her life, exemplifies faith in action (Esther 5:1-2). As Timothy Keller writes, “Faith is not just believing in God; it’s risking everything on His promises.” Esther and Mordecai remind us that trusting God includes stepping out in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Deliverance and Redemption

The joyous celebration of Purim even today (Esther 9:20-22) symbolizes God’s deliverance from destruction. Instituted to commemorate the Jews’ rescue from Haman’s genocidal plot, Purim highlights the unseen hand of God working through the courage of Esther and Mordecai. Charles Spurgeon noted, “The providence of God is the great protector of His people,” underscoring that God’s sovereignty is never thwarted by human schemes. 

This deliverance not only preserved God’s covenant people but also points forward to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. Just as the Jews were saved from destruction, Christ delivers us from sin and death, offering eternal salvation. Purim reminds us to celebrate God’s faithfulness, trust His providence, and live with the confidence that His plans will always prevail, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Esther and Mordecai, who trusted in Your sovereign plan and acted with courage and faith. Help us to discern Your guidance in our lives, to stand against injustice, and to walk boldly in obedience to Your will. Remind us that You are always in control, even when we cannot see Your hand. Strengthen us to fulfill the purpose for which You have called us, for such a time as this. Amen.