God's Tattoos

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:13-16a)

Does God have tattoos? Isaiah says He does—well, engravings, anyway. To His suffering people, conquered by an invading army and exiled to a foreign land, it seemed as if God had forgotten them. So He reassured them, and us, that His care and consciousness exceed that of a nursing mother. It’s as if He has us engraved on His hands, so that every time He reaches out to intervene He is thinking of His people. That’s a comforting thought as schools start and schedules fill up for the fall. Though we may at times forget His care for us amidst the business of our lives, God our Father never forgets us. Though the challenges and difficulties we encounter can cause us to doubt God’s concern, nothing can cause God to act without our best interests in mind. 

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your memorable love and ceaseless care. Remind us of Your interest in every detail of our lives, and bless both teachers and learners in this new school year. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

SENIOR MOMENTS…
He was a widower and she a widow.
They had known each other for many years as high school classmates and at class reunions.
At their 60th reunion, the widower and the widow made a foursome with two other singles.
They had a wonderful evening, their spirits high.
The widower throwing admiring glances across the table. The widow smiling coyly back at him.
Finally, he picked up courage to ask her, "Will you marry me?"
After about six seconds of careful consideration, she answered, "Yes...yes I will!"
The evening ended on a happy note for the widower. But the next morning he was troubled.
Did she say “Yes” or did she say “No?” 
He couldn't remember. Try as he would, he just could not recall. 
He went over the conversation of the previous evening, but his mind was blank.
He remembered asking the question but for the life of him could not recall her response. 
With fear and trepidation he picked up the phone and called her.
First, he explained that he couldn't remember as well as he used to. Then he reviewed the past evening. 
As he gained a little more courage he then inquired of her. 
"When I asked if you would marry me, did you say “Yes” or did you say “No?”
"Why you silly man, I said ‘Yes. Yes I will.’ And I meant it with all my heart."
The widower was delighted. He felt his heart skip a beat. 
Then she continued. "And I am so glad you called because I couldn't remember who asked me!”
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God bless you unforgettably this week, in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Kirk