God's Tattoos

[Brad Fox]

I was in church today to hear a guest preacher speak about his work as a prison pastor at the Robert J. Donovan maximum security prison down by the Mexican border.  His sermon was part educational, part thanksgiving for the support our church has given to the prisoners there in terms of volunteer evangelists, letter writing, and cookie baking.  As part of his introduction, he showed a collage of faces of the men, many of whom are serving sentences of life without possibility of parole.  Talk about hopeless!  The thought of being cooped up in a 6 x 8 jail cell for the rest of my life would make me lose my mind; claustrophobia in the extreme!

While the faces were flashing across the screen, I noticed a variety of expressions, but most were tainted with pain.  The pastor shared that many of these men marveled at the relationship that he and his wife have.  They express that they have never experienced such a loving, peaceful relationship between a man and a woman.  These men share that their fathers were abusive and their mothers were neglectful.  No wonder they are where they are!

One particularly noticeable face that flashed across the screen was covered with tattoos.  They so completely covered his face, that it was difficult to distinguish his true identity.  I was under the impression that such tattoos were illegal for just that reason, but perhaps these were "tats" that were homemade in the jailhouse; what else have they got to do with their time?

This man's face got me to thinking about why people get tattoos.  Currently, it's a cultural phenomena.  You're part of the "in" group if you have a tattoo these days.  They apparently make a statement about who you are and what you value.  They set you apart as unique and distinctive.  Even young women have been consumed by the fad, some getting extensive tattoos on arms, back and legs.  I'm often tempted to ask people what their favorite tattoo is, and why they wanted it.  But I know better than to pry. 

For an old geezer like me, this cultural norm is kind of a shock.  I saw a few tattoos on the old salts in my U.S. Navy days, but most of the young guys really didn't have any interest in getting one.  Tattoos were seen as kind of ugly as they aged and blurred with the owner's skin.  "You were on the U.S.S. What???"  So it is with not a little bit of amazement that I see young people going under the needle to explore this new art form, this new medium of self expression. 

As a Christian, I constantly fight with the Apostle Paul's expressed hope that he himself should become less, while the Lord becomes greater.  When I see people spend hundreds of dollars on themselves (not just tattoos, but toys such as clothing, jewelry, sports equipment, gourmet food, cars, etc., etc.) I wonder how they can justify it.  And I know I have luxuries that many third world peoples would wonder about.  I'm sure there are many reasons unknown to me for getting a tat.  Maybe some want to remember the tragic loss of a loved one; others just like the artwork; still others may want to elevate their own status.  Some may just want to fit in with the crowd.

As I sat there in church pondering this man's covered face, I got to thinking that I'd never seen a tattoo on a person's palm.  I imagine that the pain of a vibrating needle in such a sensitive area might not be too pleasant.  Besides, who's going to see a tattoo on your palm?  You'd get more bang for the buck if you put something cool on your forearm or calf or chest.

Recently, I have been reading the book of Isaiah.  The prisoner's face made me think of Isaiah 49:16 See……I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. 

It got me to thinking about God's view of tattooing.  I don't think God wanted to "fit in" with our names engraved on his palms.  I don't think He was trying to impress anyone; indeed, no one has ever seen His marks.  But I do wonder if He is trying to keep our names constantly in front of his face.  I imagine that as the Creator, He must use His hands a lot.  It must be distracting, in a good way, for Him to remember why He builds such beauty in His universe.  He builds, sustains, and innovates for us, His beloved.

Engraved names?  Isn't that a bit deeper than tattooing???  It must be excruciating.  To have every name of every one who has lived, is living, and will live carved into your palms?

Big palms! 

Incredible pain tolerance!

Tremendous resolve!

Fathomless love!

I knew I needed to write this down tonight before I went to bed.  I have a new view of tattoos now.  They remind me that the Lord doesn't do anything each moment without seeing my name and lovingly thinking and acting on my behalf.  What a gift!

I guess that makes me His eternal "tattoo."

Now, when I see people with tattoos, they will remind me of His love for me...