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Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Your children hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride.

(Isaiah 49:15-18, NIV)

In Isaiah 49:15-18 God is reassuring His people of His love and care for them. He’s comforting them even as they find it hard to believe that He will return them from exile and restore Jerusalem. God’s people are reminded that they aren’t forgotten; that they’re on His mind; that he loves, provides for and cares about them. (vv15-16) He encourages the people to “lift up (their) eyes and look around” in hope. (v18a) God will undo their disgrace and bless them. (vv17, 18b)

Surely this a message we too need to hear. Even today, we need to be reminded to place our hope in God and to consider His love for us. Here are two pictures:

  • The nursing mother. The love a mother has for her baby is a beautiful thing. It is a great love. A sacrificial, devoted love - and yet God’s love for us is even greater! In v15 God says that even if it’s unlikely for a mother to forget the child she’s breastfeeding, it’s impossible for God to forget one of His own. He will not ever fail to show you compassion. You are remembered and loved.
  • The tattoo. A friend of mine is a tattoo artist. He ‘engraves’ markings on the bodies of people. Usually they are images or words which carry significance for the one receiving the tattoo. One thing I know about tattoos is that generally they’re permanent. They won’t come off in the shower! In v16 God tells the people He has them (their name) “engraved” on the palms of His hands. Now, Isaiah isn’t teaching that God has tattoos, but presenting evidence of a kind of love which will never be forgotten. It means your name is always before Him, you aren’t out of His sight. His love for you won’t wash away. It’s permanent, engraved.

No matter what you are facing this week, in whatever challenges arise, know that God will not fail to love you. Remember he has not forgotten you, He never will - and lift your eyes in hope. You are engraved on the palms of His hands.

PRAYER & PRAISE

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalms 34:17-18

  • Thank You, Lord, that You alone are our righteousness, and we cry out to you for those we know who are crushed in spirit and whose hearts are heavy right now.
  • Lord, we praise You for you constant love and faithfulness to us, for the truth of Your word as it is faithfully proclaimed each week.
  • Thank You, Father, for our Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and for those who care for our young people and children each week.