"Fingerprints" Lesson 168

Lesson 168: “FINGERPRINTS”

Dactyloscopy, the scientific study of fingerprints, was discovered in the nineteenth century, when a scientist found that contact between a finger and a fixed surface left a mark that could be exposed by a fine powder. In 1893 it was accepted that no two individuals had the same pattern of fingerprints. Fingerprint evidence was accepted for the first time in an English court in 1902. There is evidence that links man’s first discovery of fingerprints back to 3000 B.C. in Egypt. Leaving a physical fingerprint leaves evidence that someone has touched a place or object bringing to light certain facts. Leaving spiritual prints on someone’s life leaves evidence that God has touched this person through you and has brought these into the light. To leave spiritual fingerprints is the Christian’s job and touching someone’s heart means speaking from you own.

The Holy Spirit is your oxygen that gives you the power to change a person’s life. Take a deep breath and speak the words that those around you, living in darkness need to hear. ‘Muster’ up your faith and move some mountains (Matt. 17:20). Jesus touched all who came to Him, either physically or spiritually and tells us that we can do all things and even greater things through faith (John 14:12-13). Whether you touch, smile, read, pray or just be present in a non-believer’s life you are leaving an imprint of evidence that you, by the power of the Holy Spirit, have been there and a life could be changed because of your obedience and dedication.

To touch you must be gentle and watchful, restoring one back to Jesus but not allowing yourself to be tempted into sin. Fulfill the law of Christ by bearing each others burdens, not deceiving ourselves into thinking we better than the one we are reaching out to (Gal. 6:1-10). We are commanded not only to love each other but to encourage and build up others, warning those who are idle, helping the weak and timid in kindness and joyful prayer (1 Thess. 5:11-17). Some dreadful and lasting imprints are made by gossip, slander and wrongful accusations. Scripture teaches to be busy, about the Lord’s work, and not busybodies, about others and never tire of doing good, being careful of becoming a ‘goody two shoes’ (2 Thess. 3:11-15). Be filled with enthusiasm, eager to help, therefore stirring others to action in their spiritual walk with God (2 Cor. 9:2).

Paul writes that we are not to think too highly of ourselves because it is by God’s grace that we have each received salvation. Always keep joyful, zeal and fervor in serving the Lord, willing to associate with people of low position, living in peace with everyone (Rom. 12:1-18). Jesus told us to touch in prayer for where two or three come together in the name of Jesus, He is there also (Matt. 18:19-20). In Mark 5:25, Jesus asked; “Who touched my clothes”? He knew who had touched Him, but wanted to establish a personal relationship with the healed person. This emphasized Jesus’ ability to distinguish the touch of one who in faith expected deliverance from the inadvertent touch of those crowded around Him. There was and still is a great difference between the two. Guess what? Those here on earth can well distinguish the difference between a genuine loved filled spiritual touch and an inadvertent touch. People have a longing or desire to know the significance of themselves and their deeds or activities. Solomon said a person could not know the works of God, the sovereign, supreme, eternal plan of God, from beginning to end. We are uncertain if what we do means anything because we do not know the plan (Eph. 2:8-9, Col. 1:29, 3:17, 23-24).

To take on the mind of Christ is to put yourself in the place of those in prison, those being mistreated and suffering, even to showing hospitality to strangers (Heb. 13:1-3). To have the mind of Jesus may overwhelm you to the point that you feel you must get away. This too, was the way of Jesus and He often withdrew to lonely places to pray, to be refilled, refreshed and in touch with His Father that He might continue (Luke 5:15-16). Notice in Luke 7:12-15 that no one asked Jesus to touch them or heal them since the young man was already dead and in the coffin. The widowed mother, family and friends were following in tears and Jesus’ heart went out to them. Your heart must be in your testimony and witness in order for your touch to bring life into a spiritually dead person’s life (Gal. 5:22-23). Never forget that a cold, empty, insincere touch can be felt and you may do more damage than good if the compassion is missing (Col. 3:12).

Each time you leave your house you should be prepared to witness, help, testify, teach and bring others into the Kingdom of God. Perhaps you need a list to guide you and the best place to start is in 2 Timothy 4:2; “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage, with great patience and careful instructions”. How do we get prepared? I have started making a list of the ‘red lettered’ verses in my bible, as in most bibles, meaning that these were the Words of Jesus. Stop making judgments on mere appearances (John 7:24); if you have no sin in your life then you may cast stones (John 8:7); walk in the light (John 8:12); know where you are going (John 8:14b); lift up the name of Jesus (John 8:28); hold to God’s teachings (John 8:31); make your language clear (John 8:42-47). Feed my lambs; take care of my sheep; feed my sheep (John 21:15-17). These statements were not request but rather commands if you love the Lord!

God called us to be His witnesses, chosen to understand the Word He gives us and believe that He is who He says that He is. If you are saved, you have His seal on you and you are in His hand not to be delivered out of it. No one can reverse His action (Isa. 43: 10-13). He went before His anointed and leveled the mountains, broke down the gates and cut through the iron bars. He is still the same God and will do the same for you so that you might have the passage to all people. “So that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting, men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord and there is no other” (Isa. 45:6). If spiritual fingerprints actually showed up, where would yours be seen? Make a mark today on someone’s heart; turn their life around to Jesus; proclaim the gospel clearly; be wise in the way you act; make the most of every opportunity (Col. 4:2-6). Jesus is standing beside you (2 Tim. 4:17), make an impression for Him by spreading His gospel!