Daily
Devotional

The weathered maple tree that stands in a country schoolyard I visited last summer holds many memories. The giant trunk sports numerous engravings. Hearts encircling friend’s initials appear plentiful and are deeply carved into the wooden layers.

There are various other places where we see engravings: pens, plaques, watches, and fresh wet cement are just a few. Many times an engraving speaks of love, holding a special meaning for the giver and receiver. These engravings are treasured because of what they symbolize.

I thought today about how much God loves us, His children. Isaiah tells how the Lord engraved the names of His chosen people on His palms long ago as a sign of His love and protection to them. When God’s Son was hung on the cross, deep engravings of the nails, which pierced His hands, helped to finalize His death and show His wondrous love for the world.

Do people today have this kind of love? We may never be in a situation where we have to give our life for another, but are we showing love by what we do? Are we mentally “engraving” on our hearts the names of those who need salvation or have spiritual desires?  

Thousands of items have been engraved in the name of love, but the greatest love we can give, is that of praying for those lost in sin, thus engraving their needs into the depths of our souls. After the harsh engravings that were endured for us in love on Calvary, are we doing all we can for our wonderful Savior?

What is engraved on the walls of your heart? Does it reflect God’s love? Remember, on this Good Friday, the engraved nail-scarred hands of Jesus. They symbolize the greatest love of all.