Tattooed by God — really? Does God like tattoos? Most Christians would say no, tattoos are not something a Christian would want to get. I personally wouldn’t get a tattoo because I like my skin the way it is. But I think the Bible says God does some tattooing himself. Seriously?
What about this verse?
Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you upon the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
Is not ‘engraving’ someone on your palms what we call a tattoo? Here God says to those who believe, “I’ve tattooed you on the palms of my hands.”
I know lots and lots of people who suffer through the painful process of getting tattoos all over their bodies, some from head to toe, others just one here or there. Most of the tattoos I’ve seen are images of reptiles and other animals, or of course the names of people. But I’ve never seen anyone with a tattoo on the palms of their hands. That’s where God says he’s tattooed you.
The palms of the hands are perhaps the most sensitive part of the body when it comes to getting a tattoo. Few people want to go through the pain of getting a tattoo on their palms because it’s so painful. But God declares that’s what he’s done with you — he’s tattooed you on the palms of his hands.
The context of this verse is regarding Israel, God’s chosen people whom he loves dearly. The meaning he is conveying is that his people are forever in his sight, forever on his mind and heart and that he will protect them and sustain them no matter what. The reference to ‘walls’ is either to the walls around Jerusalem, but more likely it means the walls of their homes. He will protect you from harm, from the harsh elements of nature and from wild animals who might want to devour you.
The next time you feel alone and lonely or discouraged, remember that God has engraved you on the palms of his hands. You are ever before him, he has not forgotten you and will never forsake you. You are God’s property now and Jesus will not lose even one of his ransomed brethren.
Do you realize how loved you are? Do you understand how important you are to God and our Lord Jesus Christ? Think of the person you love the most; the person you would do whatever was in your power to protect, to nurture, to strengthen and encourage. Think of the person you love to spend time with and share both successes and failures. Then think of your Father God because to him, you are that person.
Praise God for his tattoos!