takeeverythoughtcaptive

[takeeverythoughtcaptive]

Tattoos For Eternity

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” – Isaiah 49:16 (ESV) Tattoos and body piercings, once reserved for the anti-establishment crowd, are now fully integrated into the mainstream. You’re as likely to see a millennial soccer mom sporting a tattoo, gauges, or septum ring as you are a biker or teenager. These forms of body art were created through pain and convey a sense of permanence. In the case of tattoos, they often commemorate something of special significance or affection to the wearer. The Old Testament book of Isaiah is known for its messianic prophesies. While the prophet's words were intended for a contemporary audience, they also had applications for future generations. In the 49th chapter of Isaiah, the Israelites lament that God has abandoned them. The 14th verse reads, “But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” In the verses following, God, speaking through Isaiah, reiterates his love for his people, comparing it to that of a nursing mother for her child. God concludes his declaration of love by stating that Israel was engraved on the palms of his hands. It's easy for modern readers to think of engraving as a synonym for tattooing. The tattooing process involves piercing the skin to inject ink. From a messianic perspective, this engraving was far more painful and impactful. It finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ being nailed through his hands to a cross. Christ paid for our sins by dying on the cross as an expression of his love for us. Romans 5:8 states, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus retained the marks of his crucifixion in his resurrected body. After his resurrection, he showed his disciples the nail prints in his hands to prove his identity. Jesus's glorified body had incredible power. He was able to walk through locked doors and transport to distant places. He was perfected in all ways, yet he kept the scars of his nail-pierced hands as tattoos for eternity as tangible signs of his love for us. We have all felt abandoned by God at one time or another. But God the Father abandoned his son, Jesus, so we would not have to be abandoned. The next time we feel devoid of God’s love, look at your palms and reflect on Jesus’s nail-scarred palms, pierced for you and me.

[takeeverythoughtcaptive]

"Transformation does not occur in a day; transformation occurs daily" - Christopher Cook