Strong Love!

Children can be rebellious. Sometimes not liking the rules set by their parents -- who though imperfect, lovingly have their children's best interests in mind -- they don't recognize how good they really have it. Was that not the case of the lost son of Jesus' parable? ( Luke 15:11-32) So it was many times with the nation of Israel and with Christians today who wander away from the Lord. Though there may be times we, like Israel, think we are forsaken, God is still mindful of us. (note Isaiah 49:13-14)

Going on in this passage from Isaiah -- which was encouragingly describing restoration for Israel -- we read . .

"(15) Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, YET I WILL NOT FORGET YOU. (16) Behold, I HAVE ENGRAVED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS; your walls are continually before me." ( Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV)

What an encouraging picture of our loving Heavenly Father. Though it is unusual, it is still possible for an earthly parent to forget. However, GOD IS NEITHER A NEGLECTFUL NOR AN ABUSIVE FATHER.

We sometimes express familiarity by saying, "I know that area (or person) like the back of my hand." Our hands are always with us and we frequently view the back of them. Here in Isaiah the words declare our Heavenly Father having His people engraved on His palms. The remembrance is right there, ever before Him! Perhaps rather than being a picture of God's angry fist held out toward us, it is the encouraging representation of two OPEN HANDS waiting for our return when we have departed. Oh how eager the father (who represented God) in our Lord's parable was to welcome the lost son back home. ( Luke 15:20-24)

After noting the general manner in which earthly parents respond to the needs of their children, Jesus encouraged. . .

"(11) If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM!" ( Matthew 7:11 ESV)

Praise God for His great COMPASSION toward us. May His hands ever remain a welcoming sight to us as we allow every aspect of our life to surrender to His embrace.

Have a great day DRAWN TO THE WELCOMENESS OF GOD'S ABIDING LOVE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on God's Love