DAY 3

Tender as a Mother Toward Her Baby

But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.”
“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have graven you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:14-16 RSV

God expresses His never changing love toward Jerusalem with some of the most powerful feelings of the human heart. A mother cannot forget her sucking baby. She cannot be indifferent to her hungry, weeping child. Even if a woman doesn’t care for the son of her womb, God will never forget nor forsake Zion. He loves her with the tenderness and attention of a loving mother.

God has engraved Jerusalem on His palms. Zion, and by extension, Israel, is inscribed on God’s hands. This declaration takes its full meaning in the light of the pierced hands of the Messiah at Golgotha. Jesus died first (but not only) for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jerusalem’s walls are continually before Him. Israel is at the center of His attention and care.

Fingerprints and palm lines are unique to each person. They can be used to identify someone with accuracy. Zion is in God’s heart. He has linked Himself to her. His love for Jerusalem describes who He is and reveals His identity. God engraved Israel on His palms. God and Israel are inseparable.

Prayer

Our Father,

We bless Your Holy Name. We praise You for Your unceasing tenderness and care for Zion. You have bound Yourself to Israel. Jerusalem has all your attention. Her walls are continually before You. You will never forget her. You have bound Yourself to her forever.

Give us a revelation of the place of Israel within Your heart. Show the Body of Christ how important Zion is in Your eyes. Lead us into mature love; we want to love You and love the sons of Israel that You love tenderly. We want to know You as the God who loves Jerusalem tenderly. Your love for her reveals Your character. Help us know Your heart better.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen