Engraved Hands

Behold, I have inscribed you on
the palms of My hands; your walls
are continually before me.
Isaiah 49:16 (NASV)

In the above verse, God was speaking to a concerned people who were about to be taken into captivity. Although this event was inevitable, God wanted His people to have His assurance that they would not be forgotten by Him no matter where they went or in whatever dire circumstances they found themselves. His promise to the people of Jerusalem was so in depth, He promised to engrave them on the palms of His hands. Just seeing the walls of that city so precious to Him would be a reminder of His love for that city and it's people. How this engraving was accomplished, we don't know and don't have to know. God said he had done it and it was done.

All of us have seen things that are engraved. Engraving means to deeply impress into something or to carve into something. If we want to be a little sober, we have all seen grave stones, most of which have engravings of some sort. Such markers used to all be gray in color, but now can be black and light burgundy. They've become more decorative than ever before. However they are done, the engravings are deep enough into the stone to never wear off.

Some couples choose to have certain things engraved into their wedding rings...dates, Bible verses or brief words of endearment. Other types of jewelry may have engravings on them...watches, lockets, baby gifts and wedding items. It's all done to add extra sentiment to the article in honor of an event in people's lives.

There are people in our day, who for their own reasons, choose to have tattoos applied to their skin in various of areas of their bodies. The Bible speaks against it in the Old Testament, but it's almost become a fad. We are told that a tattoo is next to impossible to have removed. It can be done, but usually with great scarring resulting. So in a sense, even the scarring will be a reminder to a person of what was once present.

No matter the items, engravings are meant to inform (send a message), meant to last and meant to remind. As I type, I look at the back of my right hand and see an almost y-shaped scar. I remember the day my hand was injured by the front paw of a very loveable dog. I was making a home visit as casemanager to a foster home. Their big dog greeted me with a stand-up greeting with paws on my shoulders. When reprimanded by the lady of the house, the dog slid down to the floor but in the process, his left front paw tore deep scratches into the back of my right hand. My hand began to protest in red, if you know what I mean. I went to a sink, washed it and then dried it with some pressure with paper towels. The foster mom retrieved the medical gear she was required to keep in the home and doctored my hand. For weeks, the back of my hand was an ugly and sore reminder of what happened that day. As time passed though, when healing had taken place, I still had and have to this day a reminder of that day and of that loveable dog who greeted me with great doggie exuberance.

When I look at the scar on my hand, I think of God's engraving the people and city of Jerusalem on the palms of His hands. He didn't need a reminder of them as He would never forget them as He never forgets us. For God, it was a loving gesture. When the people of Jerusalem were taken into captivity, it could echo in their ears when God said, “Look, I have engraved you on the palm of my hand.” Their captivity was inevitable, but so was the love and presence of God.

Two things cross my mind at this point. Any kind of engraving is permanent. To try to remove such only creates a mess. God has chosen to permanently engrave His people on the palms of His hands. Thus, He considers our relationship with Him to be as permanent as possible. I'm also reminded that such a thing should indicate for me personally that I'm a part of a great relationship with God beyond explaining or understanding.

The main thing we must not forget is that Jesus also bears marks on his hands...scars. His scars are a result of what He did for us on the cross. Jesus doesn't have to be reminded of what He did for us that day. However, those scars should remind us of His love and provision for a wonderful relationship with Him while on this earth as well as the surety of a home in Heaven when at the end of life, when we step out into Eternity. We are a blessed people.

Thank You Father, for loving me so much. You wear me on your hands as a new parent bearing baby pictures for the world to see. You love me so much more than any new parent, close friend or favorite pet. Thank You for being You. I love You so much...In Jesus name...Amen