The Tattoos of Christ

The Tattoos of Christ

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands . . . .

Isaiah 49:16

How can I be sure that Christ will not forget me? That may seem like a silly question on the surface. It is and has been the burning question of many a tried and weary saint. In times of great peril, we may be tempted to think God has forgotten us. Old folks, at times, will often say that they think God has forgotten them. As understandable as that may be, it is not so. Israel was, in the preceding portions of this passage, pouring out the same, bitter complaint that God had forgotten her. Christ, speaking in a Christophanic way, answers this question and gives evidence that He will never forget His people. He declares in our text today, “Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands.” This is very graphic evidence that Christ has placed upon His own Body. It is an everlasting reminder to Himself of His Own redeemed people.

We find that Christ here extends a gracious invitation. It is as if He places His Omnipotent Hand under the chin of His downcast child who sits apart forlornly. He says gently, ‘Look, Child,’ and lifts up the eyes. He then shows us His indelible marks. He says, ‘I have tattooed you upon the palms of my hands.’ He uses the graphic illustration of the common oriental practice of tattooing and gives it the most spiritual of applications. The wounds of Christ are the most graphic evidence that He will never forget us. These wounds are imperishable. His glorified Body has them, He showed them to His disciples, and specifically to Thomas, as evidence of His resurrection. His imperishable hands will eternally be a reminder of His people for whom He made the greatest sacrifice.

Child of God, look up. Christ extends unto you a gracious invitation. He says to you, ‘Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.’ He points you to His indelible marks. He demonstrates to you that those indelible marks are on imperishable hands. Christ will never forget you, His blood-bought saint, as long as He has those indelible marks upon His imperishable hands.

Great God and Savior,
We rejoice today that You will
Never forget us,
And that we are ever before You.

Where the Bush is Burning
Tomm Tice