God's Tattoo
I've always been in awe of people who have the guts to get a tattoo. It's not their physical bravery or social courage that impresses me so much as the permanence of their decision. Maybe at the time you really like Mickey Mouse, but what if you outgrow your Disney phase in a few years? Or what if things don't work out with Billy or Johnny?
I think it's this idea of permanence that makes Isaiah 49:16 so appealing: "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."
Did you catch that? God has a tattoo. And it has your name on it. With full knowledge of what he was getting himself into, God made a decision to love us. That decision wasn't a temporary commitment—his love won't stop if someone better comes along. And it wasn't a conditional commitment—his love isn't based on what we can contribute to the relationship. It's a forever promise, a "not even death can part us" promise.
In our human relationships, we long for tangible reminders that we're loved. We want people to remember our birthday, send us flowers for no particular reason, tell us what they appreciate about us, hug us.
Yesterday I ate dinner with some friends who have a four-year-old son, Zach. He seized the first lull in the conversation to tug on my sleeve and say, "I have a secret to tell you." Then he "whispered" into my ear, loud enough for the whole table to hear, "I love you!" Five minutes later, another tug, another whisper. This time: "I love you very much!" Throughout the evening, Zach's eyes lit up every time he thought of another way to express his love.
I melted each time he delivered his secret. And I was reminded of how we're wired to be told we're loved.
God knows we have this need. He understands our short memory and our desire for tangible proof. So not only does he tell us over and over in Scripture how crazy he is about us, he went so far as to engrave our names on the palms of his hands. If there ever was a doubt of his love, God's tattoo settles it now and forever. We belong to him. Permanently. Uncon-ditionally. "It is he who made us, and we are his" (Psalm 100:3).
Apparently we aren't the first ones who needed reminders of God's love. Thousands of years ago, God assured the Israelites of the coming Redeemer and of his plan to save them (Isaiah 49). But the Israelites weren't convinced. Though they'd seen God's faithfulness in the past, they were desperate for a little proof. They lamented, "The Lord has turned away and forgotten us" (Isaiah 49:14, cev).
I, too, have seen plenty of evidence of God's faithfulness. But like the Israelites, I've been parched for some proof of God's love recently. Since third-grade Sunday school, I've known that God so loved the world, but in the past few months I've longed for some affirmation that he so loves me. Maybe I crave God-love so much because I've been reminded recently of how conditional and transitory human relationships tend to be.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2007, September/October, Vol. 29, Issue 5, Page 24
Related Topics:
Constancy, God's Love, Scripture, Tattoo
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Child of God
Everyone is entitled to there own opinion. God also gave us the gift of choice, getting a tattoo is not a trashy decision, maybe you should read more of what the bible says most commonly it says DO NOT JUDGE and that my friend is exactly what you are doing. So if you do not like tattoos that is your own preference. Not all people think the same as you.
kelly
yes, we do need to remind ourselves that GOD loves us all the times. I went for a camp few days ago, and as a quiet time leader, I bring out the story of Moses who God called him to brought Isrealites out from being a slave in Egypt. I remind my little girls in that wuiet time group that GOD uses the weak to shame the strong and God loves us eventough we, most of the time forget about Him. I thank God and you for reminding me once again about His love., which I long time never spend time on it already. Be strong and courages, for the Lord ur God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Melissa
I had to respond to JO's comment, after I stopped laughing so hard. JO, your comment speaks volumes of your character (or lack there of). You really think that people with tattoos are infested with STD's, abuse drugs and alcohol, are unintelligent, etc.? Do you honestly feel the Lord will judge me based on my several tattoos? Hmm, think about it JO. Based on your comment, I feel sorry for you. I think you are not "getting" the whole meaning of being a Christian. It's about love and faithfulness. "Love thy neighbor...."right? Do you also judge those who have a different skin color than yours? The Lord knows my heart. It's not about what we look like. Seriously, think about what you wrote, it's utter nonsense. God bless you JO!
Beth
Christ does indeed have tatoos on his hands - the scars from being nailed to the Cross.
j.abagnale
god is love
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