“See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16 NLT).

CHRIST’S LOVE FOR US IS STILL WRITTEN ON HIS HANDS

When Israel accused the Lord of forsaking them, He replied saying that He could never forget them. He compared Himself to a mother, saying, “Can a woman forget her nursing child?” Then, He said that He had “engraved” them on His hands. The word “engraved” might be translated “inscribed” or “written,” but literally means to “cut in.” He was essentially saying, “How can I forget you when I have a remembrance of you cut into the palms of My hands?”

Surely this was an encouraging word to the Israelites, but even more so to those who view it through the lens of the cross. For the scars of the nails still mark our Savior’s hands. As the risen Lord Jesus told Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).

The One with the nail-scarred hands will never leave, nor forsake us. His love for us is written on His hands.

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that You love us. What a wonderful thing that You love us. Teach us to move in Your love. Help us to be conduits of Your love to others. Being confident in Your love, we move beyond our own comfort to love others. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.