Are you in possession of an item that has been Engraved with a special message of some kind? Perhaps the Engraved item is a treasured piece of jewelry, a memorable ornament for the Christmas tree, or a beloved urn containing the ashes of a loved one—regardless of what type of specific article it might be, there is additional value associated with it related to the message it contains or perhaps because of the gift giver. Consider for a moment any items you own that although they may not have a significant price tag, they hold enormous value to you personally—they are cherished.

While considering this idea of treasured items that are Engraved with precious messages, I decided to search the internet hoping to uncover the most Engraved phrase, with the expectation that one particular grouping of words would resonate so deeply with a large number of people that someone would have carefully crafted a top ten list. Instead, the investigation led to the realization that the phrases most commonly used would be categorized according to the occasion or person. Realizing the error of my assumption, I pondered the reality that using a personal motto such as “life is an experiment” might not be the preferred choice on the urn of a loved one! Perhaps something such as “in God’s care” might be a better option.

All of this consideration of something being Engraved was actually sparked by one of my Praying Promises’ cards which holds the words, “He engraved us on the palms of His hands” (Is 49:16). And if I am contemplating the importance of gifts that I have received, a gift that contains an Engraved message, which holds special meaning, how much more significance should I give to the body of Christ whose nail-scarred hands hold a permanent Engraved message of His love for me? Perhaps I struggle with this concept because it is so difficult for me to imagine that depth of love.

Investigating this verse from Isaiah a little further, I uncovered two precious perspectives that I want to share. One, from Amy Boucher Pye from Our Daily Bread, when she shares, “[Charles] Spurgeon makes the wonderful connection between this promise of the Lord to His people, the Israelites, and God’s Son, Jesus, on the cross as He died for us. Spurgeon asked, ‘What are these wounds in Your hands? . . . The engraver’s tool was the nail, backed by the hammer. He must be fastened to the Cross, that His people might be truly Engraved on the palms of His hands.’ As the Lord promised to engrave His people on His palms, so Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross, receiving the nails in His hands so we could be free of our sins…If and when we’re tempted to think that God has forgotten us, we only need to look at our palms and remember God’s promise. He has put indelible marks on His hands for us; He loves us that much.”

Pastor Jim Sole offers an additional perspective on the permanence of Jesus’ hands being Engraved for us, “Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t read, ‘Behold, I have put you in the palms of My hands written with dissolvable ink.’ Nor does it say, ‘Behold, I have put you in the palms of My hands written with pencil easily erased.’ What we read is not something fleeting or simply fades away over time. This is an aggressive act of God of His love which signifies permanence. The word ‘engraved’ means ‘cut into’, ‘to carve’, and ‘to inscribe’. It is something done that will never or could ever be undone.”

When I experience moments of feeling unloved or unvalued, why does my mind seem to stubbornly forget that there are hands Engraved with love just for me? A message of love that when I choose to embrace it, leads to a flourishing and abundant life. It seems as if I often default to the doubt of the disciples as we see in Luke 24:38-39 (NLT), “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me.” I’m not sure how you view messages of love, Engraved on a piece of jewelry or on the hands of our Savior, but I hope you will do a better job than me of receiving those gifts with a loving and appreciative heart.

What Engraved items have you received that hold a cherished place in your heart, or what phrase has a special meaning to you that is Engraved in a treasured place. Please consider sharing in the comments section below.

References:

Pye, A.B. (2018, September 18). Engraved on His Hands. Our Daily Bread. Retrieved from https://ourdailybread.ca/engraved-on-his-hands/

Sole, J. (2016, September 26). Engraved in the palms of His hands. Quidnessett Baptist Church Daily Nugget. Retrieved from https://www.qbchurch.org/daily-nugget/2016/09/engraved-palms-hands