“Engraved On The Palms Of God’s Hands!”

“Engraved On The Palms Of God’s Hand!”(Is.49:14-21).
“See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders…”
These quote is in the context of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the restoration of Israel. This was probably during the time of the Babylonian exile. The exile finally returned, but we are only too aware of the chequered history of Israel as a nation.
Perhaps the full restoration of Israel was when Zionism as a movement led to the establishment of the state of Israel only in 1948. If that is so, then it only confirms Scriptures that a thousand years in God’s sight is just like yesterday.
We can never place our fingers on God’s “Karios.” God’s time is when it happens. God’s time is the right time. God’s time is not calendarial.
What God says he will do, he will do! Isaiah’s prophecy of restoration is a message of hope to a people whose hopes were shattered. At one time these people sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept, when the captives required them to sing a song. They asked how they could continue to sing the LORD’S song in a foreign land?
“But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, the LORD has forgotten me.'”
In response we have some of the most reassuring, most loved and most quoted words of Scripture. These are words that speak to every people in every generation who are at the crossroads of life.
“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…”
The translation that says, “I have written your name on the palms of my hand…” weakens the impact. Whatever is written in ink can be washed away. The LORD has “engraved” our names… Whatever is engraved cannot be wiped out, unless the surface on which it is engraved is destroyed.
The fact that you are passing through some difficult moments in life does not mean God has abandoned you or forgotten about you. Tough times are merely speed brakes to slow you down and save you from disaster.
Restoration is a doublespeak. God restores us to past glories as all the exiles return to Homeland, but he fully restores when we repent and return to him.
You may be bereaved and barren, you may be exiled and rejected; whatever it is now, however the way it is, don’t give up! Keep the fire of hope burning! There is hope beyond the horizon of hopelessness!
Keep trusting the LORD who has engraved you on the palms of his hands.
Prayer: Thank you LORD for the blessed assurance that you are my Immanuel and Joshua. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Prayer point: pray for the restoration of the exiles and IDPS of our Homeland.
Rev Babila Fochang.