“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.”
Isaiah 49:16 ESV
Grace Perspective:
This chapter in the book of Isaiah is full of prophecy concerning the Messiah. The prophet Isaiah writes of promises fulfilled when the Savior came to free those held captive by sin. The people Isaiah addressed struggled to believe that God cared for them; they felt God had forsaken them. Isaiah proclaims the Lord’s faithfulness and reminds them that God will never forget those He came to save.
Isaiah’s reference to engraved palms foreshadows the nails that pierced Jesus’ hands on the cross. He chose the nails, the pain, the suffering to pay the penalty for sin. In doing so, He indelibly marked the names of those He came to save forever upon the palms of His hands. In John 20:27, Jesus said to Thomas (one of His disciples), “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and put out your hand and place it in My side. Do not be unbelieving, but [stop doubting and] believe.”
We are all tempted to doubt the steadfast love of God for us, especially when we are suffering. When you find yourself wondering if the Lord has forgotten you, remember He has graciously engraved you on the palm of His hands.
A Touch of Grace:
What causes you to doubt God’s care for you?
What does it mean to you that you are engraved on the palms of His hands?
Grace Application:
Engraved means to carve into a surface. When something is engraved, it is intended to last for a very long time. If we engrave something on our body, it’s meant to last as long as our body does. That’s a serious commitment.
Jesus chose the nails that engraved on His hands forever those He loves. His love is so complete, so all-encompassing, that He literally bears a continual reminder of us on His palms. He can never forget us as He has inscribed on His hands. Every time He lifts His hands, He sees those He redeemed. Nothing can ever remove us from His mind or heart. An old hymn says,
“My name from the palms of His hands
Eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes, I to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is given
More happy, but not more secure,
The glorified spirits in heaven.” [i]
If, like me, you sometimes think God has forgotten you, remember He has graciously engraved you on the palms of His hands, and nothing can remove you from them. You are forever in Him.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, thankful that You have engraved me on the palms of Your hands. Forgive me when I doubt Your love. My heart sometimes forgets that Your love is steadfast and Your mercy is great. Holy Spirit help me to remember the scars that Jesus chose so that I am forever engraved upon His hands. May this truth shield me from the lies of the enemy and keep my eyes focused on Jesus, my Savior. Amen
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**
[i] http://hymnbook.igracemusic.com/hymns/a-debtor-to-mercy-alone