God the Tattooist
“I will never forget you…I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15–16)
God the Tattooist. What a surprising image the Old Testament prophet Isaiah uses! God has written, or you could say tattooed, your name on His hands.
For many people today, tattoos are extremely popular, from footballers and mums to teenage girls. From butterflies on ankles, words in different languages, and symbols on wrists, to full arm sleeves, tattoos are everywhere. They can be found on shoulders, chests, faces, limbs and other parts of the body. Sometimes I jokingly boast that, as a 'cleanskin', I stand out from the crowd.
The idea of a permanent tattoo inked under my skin does not appeal to me. The permanence of a tattoo, especially as my skin ages and my body sags, is not particularly attractive. At times, I have jokingly thought that perhaps I should change professions and move into the tattoo-removal business, as I am sure it is a growth industry.
Whatever my personal feelings about tattoos, it is not surprising that this image of something written on our skin is used in connection with God. The point of the image is that God's love and care for his people are more than permanent. They are personal and will never be forgotten. Our names are written on God's hands, meaning that he knows each of us personally. He is permanently reminded of us as he sees our names written on his hands.
At the same time, while God the Father does not literally have hands, God's Son, Jesus, does. His hands have been marked for us, not with names, but with nail wounds.
In Jesus, the hands of God have been pierced for you, and he has taken your name upon himself. He has risen from the dead and continues to hold you in his loving care. You are not forgotten. His love for you is that great!
Prayer: Jesus, you love us. You died for us. You have written our names on your hands. Give us this same strong love in all our relationships. In your name we pray. Amen.
Tim Jarick
College Pastor
