Right Hand

For some reason, the term “right hand man” or woman came to my mind, as I felt it must have had some significance to find its way into our everyday language. There are a few explanations given, but the one I favour is from the old military usage. The most important person in the fight would be on the front line, and vulnerable. His sword hand was his right side usually, and a subordinate was appointed to be his “right hand man”. In other words, he was to protect his superior’s right side, at all and any cost, even at the expense of his own life. So who do you think was the more important man now? I don’t know about you, but I am with the “right hand man”!

If you are right handed, losing that ability even temporarily, makes you vulnerable, and likewise for left handed people. We are very blessed if we have a ‘right hand man’ at our side who will be there through thick and thin by choice, and not because they have been appointed. I was also taken by the fact that it was only one person, not a few, so that single defender is a very important person, and as in the example above, I think that special friend becomes the more important one. Certainly the most needed in our own life in time of crisis or need. You are blessed if you have one, because not everyone has, and you cannot take it for granted. It will not have escaped your notice that Jesus is at the right hand of God, protecting us from the judgement we deserve, and giving us mercy instead.

If you have such a “right hand” person in your life, take a few seconds and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. It may be your spouse, parent, child, or closest friend. The common thread is that each one will stand with you, stay at your side, and protect you when you need it most. Be grateful if you have such a person in your life, and treasure them. In olden days the right hand man could not walk away from their responsibility, today (in life) that special person has a choice. Don’t do anything to make them desert you. You and I have that choice too, and we may need each other at some point, and maybe sooner than you think. I pray each of us will be a “right hand” person to someone today!