When I was a kid, I used to write everything on my hands. Someone’s phone number, a note to remember, or items my mom wanted me to pick up at the store. Being a typical adolescent boy, I was never organized enough to have paper for a proper list. The problem was that when I need to refer to the note, it was usually unreadable because it had gotten smeared. That was long enough ago, where I had to use a payphone to call ask my mom again. Did you know that Jesus has us inscribed on his hands? Those nail scars are a reminder of his love for us.
Isaiah 49:16
“Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”
Inscribed on His Hands
The Lord is telling the people that He has inscribed them on His hands. You write stuff on your hands that is important, and you can quickly reference. Is this a tattoo or something else? This is a term of endearment to the Jews. They meant so much to the Lord that He has permanently put them on his hands. How did God do that? Through His Son Jesus Christ. Isaiah’s prophecy is foreshadowing what Jesus is going to do on the cross and to the nails scars leftover afterward.
A Sign of Love
When Jesus looks as his palms and the scar left over after the cross he thinks of us. He wanted something permanently to show His love. You are near and dear to Jesus. He willingly gave up His life for you and to be constantly reminded of you. He wants to be close to you and hopes that you will respond in kind.
Raise the Walls
There is one more part of this passage that needs explanation. “Your walls are continually before me.” Walls refer to the health of a country or people, in this case, Jerusalem. If the walls are up and are high, then the people are healthy. If they are torn down, it is the opposite. When Isaiah writes this Judah is healthy, but that won’t be the case soon. Babylon will tear them down. God is concerned about your health too. He is continuously monitoring your spiritual health and working to improve it. Allow Jesus to do the necessary work to raise those walls.