Remember

Isaiah 49:15b-16 “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Think

We go to great lengths to remember important details and special moments. We jot down notes on our phones, take pictures, and record memories in our journals. We cherish mementos—perhaps a t-shirt from a favorite vacation spot or an ornament from a memorable event. Some even choose tattoos as permanent reminders of loved ones or pivotal life events. All of these methods reflect our need to hold onto the details and memories that matter to us.

Throughout the Bible, God established various practices to help his people remember his acts of deliverance and faithfulness. For example, after leading Israel out of Egypt and parting the Red Sea, God instituted the Passover. This annual celebration was not just a ritual; it was a profound reminder for the Israelites of their deliverance from slavery, a memorial to God's power and mercy that was to be passed down through generations. Similarly, in Joshua 4, when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, God commanded them to take twelve stones from the river and set them up as a memorial so that future generations would remember his miraculous provision.

Isaiah 49:16 paints an even more intimate picture of how God remembers us: "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." This imagery is powerful and deeply personal. It resonates with the image of Christ’s crucifixion—where the nails pierced his hands—emphasizing that each scar is a permanent reminder of his love and sacrifice. Through this symbol, we see the depth of God’s commitment to us, engraved not just through words, but through the act of salvation itself. This divine assurance of being forever held in the hands of God, through the marks of the cross, is a profound reminder of his everlasting love and the ultimate sacrifice made for our freedom.

Apply

What are some of your spiritual landmarks? How do you remember God’s faithfulness and goodness? List three things God has done this year in your life. Be specific and thank him.

Pray

Heavenly Father, you are so good and gracious. Help me see your hand on a daily basis. Teach me to set up memorials in my heart that honor your mighty works, so I may always recall your mercy and power, and pass it on to other generations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.