We have all heard that the Old Testament Scriptures contain some 109 distinct prophecies of the Lord’s First Coming. Most of us have studied them as well and been thrilled to see the roots/fruits connection of fulfilled prophecy.
But since it is not easy to recall them all, I want to remind all of us of one of the lesser-known Scriptures (Isaiah 49: 15-16). It is one of the most touching and astonishing. I was singing it to my wife, Rebecca tonight and its message blessed me all over again so much, I just wanted to share it with you all.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
The next time you encounter a Jewish person to whom you feel led to witness, ask them if they can tell you where Yeshua took the wounds in his body on the cross. After they answer, quote Isaiah 49:15-16 for them. If they have any ears to hear, that will be enough to start them on their journey to truth.
If you encounter a believer who wonders if God has forgotten His special love for Israel or His pledge to yet fulfill all of His promises to them, ask them if they believe that Jesus will still possess the wounds in His hands, even throughout eternity. If they are well-taught enough to say “yes”, quote Isaiah 49:15, 16 for them. If they are teachable, the precious message of this passage may well begin the process of correction.
When you find yourself trying to comfort a weak brother who may be doubting God’s love, turn this passage into a prayer over them. The Holy Spirit will minister to them with power and sweetness, because such a specific fulfillment of prophecy is a sign of God’s trustworthiness which can comfort His Gentile people as well.
As the title of this brief article declares, I believe that the wounds in Christ’s hands are God’s clearest sign to Israel. Proof of this will come in the near future when another prophecy is fulfilled…
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son” (Zechariah 12:10).
Just as the two on the road to Emmaus recognized their risen Messiah by the wounds in his hands as he broke the bread with them, the Jewish remnant that survives the Tribulation will recognize their Messiah by those same wounds and will mourn and repent as they believe God’s love is still engraved there for them.
Years ago, the pioneer of all Messianic bands was touring the country. “Lamb” wrote most of their songs straight from God’s word. One of their most powerful was based on this passage. You can still hear it on YouTube by typing in Ha-Tish-Kach. I believe it will touch your heart. The man who wrote the song helped to pray me into the kingdom of God 43 years ago, this month.
The verses he sang about will continue to remind me of God’s love for as long as I can see the hands of Christ.
Love to all my brethren everywhere:
Email contact: is53@att.net