Can we be forgotten? ∙∙

Can we be forgotten? ∙∙

I have written your name on the palms of my hands. – Isaiah 49:16

Isaiah 49:13-16

13 The LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering.
14 Yet Jerusalem says, “The LORD has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

15 Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind. ..

In times of isolation and despair, we often feel abandoned and forgotten. In our dejection and sadness, we frequently ask, “Does anyone really care?” Feelings of abandonment can weigh heavily, just as they did on the nation of Israel during a dark chapter in their history. They grumbled and whined, “The LORD has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14).

But nothing could be further from the truth. The Father’s response to their complaint was a profound assurance of His unwavering commitment. He would never, ever forget or abandon them. He answers them with two beautiful and poignant word pictures.

Rather than comparing His love to that of a father, God likened it to a mother’s bond with her nursing child. “Can a mother forget her nursing child?” He asked (Isaiah 49:15). The Hebrew word used for “nursing child” is ulah. This word is more specific than child or even baby. Ulah refers specifically to a “newborn still at the breast” —a picture of total helplessness and neediness. A nursing child, utterly dependent on its mother for life and nourishment, demands constant attention and care. It’s unimaginable for a mother to forget her infant.

God’s commitment goes even further. Although He never forgets anything due to His omniscience, He has also chosen to leave a mark as a lasting reminder of His love.

In our society, it has become common for people to tattoo symbols or names of those they love on their skin. In Isaiah’s day, some servants would inscribe the names of their masters on their hands. But masters did NOT write the names of their servants on theirs.

Remarkably, contrary to the customs of Isaiah’s time, the Father, to highlight His focus and love, the King of Kings and Lord of lords has inscribed the names of those He loves on the palms of His hands.

The Hebrew word for inscribed is chaqaq. Chaqaq means to “carve,” “engrave,” or “chisel.” This isn’t a fleeting note but “a permanent, lasting display of devotion.” God, the King of Kings and Lord of lords has willingly engraved His love for us into His being—a radical, unshakable commitment.

REFLECT & PRAY

So many times, we experience dreadful isolation and a sense of abandonment.

Father, thank You for being totally committed to me and keeping me ever before Your mind and heart.

INSIGHT

Strictly speaking, the Father knows all, forgets nothing, and learns nothing. His understanding surpasses time and space. Yet, from our paltry human perspective, it often feels as though this divine truth doesn’t touch us. Why? Because we are the forgetful ones. We lose sight of Him amid the noise of life, the weight of doubts, and the distractions pulling us away. And so, in His great mercy, the Father fills His Word with reminders—reminders of His unfailing love, His steadfast commitment, and His unshakable presence.

A mother cradling her nursing child is among the most tender images of connection and dependence we can imagine. But even the strongest maternal bond is not perfect. It may strain, falter, or fade. Yet, the Father declares with absolute certainty that His love will never fail. His love outlasts even the greatest, purest human love. This profound truth is beautifully captured in Isaiah 49:15: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

This word picture presented here is among the preeminent illustrations of the Father’s love found in the Old Testament. Pause for a moment and recognize this promise as a thunderous declaration written in the heavens—a covenant that nothing can erase. The love of the Father is eternal, enduring beyond the bounds of human frailty. He loves you personally, just as you are, more deeply and purely than any mother’s love for her child. Everything He does in your life is born out of love—His ways, His plans, His discipline, His blessings—they all spring from a well of love that never runs dry.

Now, close your eyes for a moment. Imagine seeing your name, written boldly and permanently, on the palm of His hand. Can you see it? Now, picture your name blurred, smudged by sin, mistakes, and wanderings. Even then, your name is still there—present, unforgotten, indelible. But the Father didn’t stop at writing your name on His hand. His love went far beyond that. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to bear the penalty of your sins.

Consider this. Does the resurrected Christ also carry your name? Look at Him, as Thomas did when he hesitated to believe in John 20: “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Of course, we know what comes next. Jesus, in His kindness, arrives, extending His scarred hands to Thomas: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).

And in that moment, Thomas, overwhelmed, cries out, “My Lord and my God!” The scars remain as eternal proof of what He endured—a wound that runs through eternity, a reminder of His sacrifice for us.

With a little bit of sanctified imagination, we can connect the dots. Visualize that nail-scarred hand reaching for you now. Can you see it? The very place where the nail pierced His hand runs straight through your blurred name. His blood has covered it. He has made you clean, whole, remembered, and forgiven. Your name is written on His hand forever, sealed by His love and sacrifice.

John 20:24-28

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”

27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving but believing.”
28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

Take a moment to reflect on this reality. The marks on His hands are not just scars; they are the testimony of an unshakable love. They are proof that you are His. You are loved. You are forgiven. No mistake, no sin, no despair can distance you from this divine love—that love nailed to a cross.

Henceforth, whenever I see a tattoo, I will remember His nailed, scarred hands. The marks that proclaim, “You are mine, and I will never forget you.”

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© Dr. H 2025