Isaiah 49:14-26

“Then you will know that I am the LORD, for they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” (Isaiah 49:23, NKJV)

Isaiah knew that the people of Judah would be headed for some rough times. The Babylonians would destroy Jerusalem and take the people captive. Circumstances would be so bad that the people would think that God had abandoned them and forgotten them. But that was impossible.

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.” (Isaiah 49:15–16, NKJV)

The strongest bond exists between a mother and her child. But stronger still was the bond between God and His people. It was impossible for Him to forsake them or forget about them, for they were inscribed in His hand. This is also true of us who have become God’s people by believing in Jesus Christ. When Christ looks at His nail-scarred hands, He remembers us and the price He paid to redeem us for Himself. He can never leave nor forsake us!

Isaiah assured them that in the future there would not be enough room to house all the people returning to the land of Israel. We see the fulfillment of that today, but the complete fulfillment will occur during the millennial kingdom. Then all Israel will know the LORD. Blessed are all those who wait for Him; they will never be ashamed!

This is always good for us to remember. I am thinking of the progress on our new church facility. We have been waiting a long, long time. We still have a way to go, and we’re not exactly sure how we will get there. But I believe that we are inscribed on our Lord’s hands and the walls, electrical and plumbing are continually before Him! We believe that the One who began this good work will bring it to completion.

Therefore, let us trust in Him today and be faithful to keep His Word while we patiently wait. Surely, we will not be ashamed!