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 by name 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.

All of us have seen things that are engraved. Engraving means to deeply impress into something using an acid or some such substance, or to carve into something words or symbols. If we want to be a little sober, we have all seen grave stones, all of which have engravings of some sort. Such markers have become more decorative through the years. However when the engraving job is finished, 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.

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. Scars are very deep engravings that many of us bear. Mine came as a result of a loving dog owned by a friend. He accidentally scratched my hand with his paw along with a great deal of 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 just as He never forgets us. For God, it was a loving gesture. Many folks who tattoo their bodies, do so out of wanting a lasting and loving tribute to someone...a parent, spouse or child. 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.

God has chosen to permanently hold His people in the palms of His hands. Thus, He considers our relationship with Him to be permanent. 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 even at times understanding. Jesus said of Himself as the good shepherd and of His sheep in John 10:28:

And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall
never perish, neither shall any man pluck them

out of my hand.

The main thing we must not forget is that Jesus also bears marks on his hands...scars. Scars, for anyone who has them, are some of the deepest engravings there can be on the human body. 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. He knows our name and lovingly holds us closer than we can imagine. In those scars is represented the name of everyone He died for on that horrible day. I'm represented there and so are you.

Thank You dear Jesus, 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 and for knowing my name. I love You so much...In Jesus name...Amen