Jesus’ Tattoo

When our son was in his late teens, tattoos were all the rage—as they continue to be.  So he headed to the local tat parlor to have a biohazard sign emblazoned on his left arm.  He thought it was really cool.

A year later, however, he grew tired of it: “This thing is forever!”  So back he went to his favorite skin artist to change it.  The only solution:  a large and beautiful Celtic cross.  “Awesome,” I responded.  “Now you are branded for Jesus for the rest of your life.”

Of course, I’m still waiting for that tat to become a symbol of a bond slave completely yielded to the Savior.  There are days or months or even years that look like that is happening.  And surely–and gratefully–he is well past the wanton prodigalness of the past.

In my waiting, I have spent some hours in Isaiah, my go-to book at such times.  From Chapter 40 through to the end, God repeatedly speaks words of hope and encouragement to me as He spoke to the children of Israel about to come out of captivity.  Here are a few of those words:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine…. Forget the former things;  do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:1,18,19)

This is what the Lord says–your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.  If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. (Isaiah 44:17-18)

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.… I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10)

“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed….Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce?…Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you,  and your children I will save.” (Isaiah 49:23-25)

But here is the verse I really hang on to.  Our son may have a cross tattooed on his arm, but Jesus has him tattooed on His hands:

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:16)

So I wait with hope, and occasional despair, until Jesus gains all of his heart, his mind, his life.

May the truth that your loved one is engraved on his palms give you peace.

What about you?  Is there someone you need to remember is “engraved on his palms”?

C2012 Judy Douglass

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Resurrection: A Puritan Easter Prayer

O God of my Exodus,

Great was the joy of Israel’s sons, when Egypt died upon the shore,

Far greater the joy when the Redeemer’s foe lay crushed in the dust.

Jesus strides forth as the victor, conqueror of death, hell and all opposing might;

He  bursts the bands of death, tramples the powers of darkness down,

and lives forever.

He, my gracious surety,

apprehended for payment of my death,

comes forth from the prison house of the grave free,

and triumphant over sin, Satan and death.

Show me herein the proof that his vicarious offering is accepted,

that the claims of justice are satisfied,

that the devil’s scepter is shivered,

that his wrongful throne is levelled.

Give me the assurance that in Christ I died,

in Him I rose, in his life I live,

in his victory I triumph, in his ascension I shall be glorified.

Adorable Redeemer,

Thou who wast lifted up upon a cross

art ascended to highest heaven.

Thou, who as Man of sorrows wast crowned with thorns,

art now as Lord of life wreathed with glory.

Once, no shame more deep than thine,

no agony more bitter,

no death more cruel.

Now no exaltation more high,

no life more glorious,

no advocate more effective.

Thou art in the triumph car leading captive thine enemies behind thee.

What more could be done than thou hast done!

Thy death is my life,

thy resurrection my peace,

thy ascension my hope,

thy prayers my comfort.

From The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers

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Advent: Jesus Comes As…

Celebrating Advent—remembering why Jesus came—has been special to me this year as each day I have reflected on who/what/why Jesus came to this earth.

In this post are the first two weeks of my Advent reflections.  Each one has added depth and meaning to my Christmas devotions.  May they do the same for you.

Day 1:  The King is coming. Let us prepare our hearts for His arrival.

Day 2:  Incarnation: Jesus became like us so we could become like him.

Day 3:  Jesus, the Light of the World, came into the world scattering the darkness.

Day 4:  Jesus comes as the Good Shepherd who leads us in valleys and on mountains, who protects us from evil, who provides all needs.

Day 5:  Jesus comes as the Bread of Life, sustaining, providing, giving meaning and purpose.

Day 6:  Jesus comes as the Way.  Sometimes whispering, sometimes shouting, always loving—He guides our feet on the path, the way He has for us.

Day 7:  Jesus comes as the Truth, giving us foundation, assurance, confidence, knowledge of right and wrong.

Day 8:  Jesus comes as the Living Water: “The water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Day 9:  Jesus comes revealing the Father:  “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”

Day 10:  Jesus comes as the Yes! Amen! to all the promises of Scripture.

Day 11:  Jesus comes walking on water, subduing the storms of our lives, raising us up when we go under.

Day 12:  Jesus comes as the living Word of God, revealing to us all that God has said and wants to say to us.

Day 13:  Jesus comes as the first born of God, making possible my adoption into the Family of God.

Day 14:  Jesus comes as Redeemer, able and willing to purchase our freedom and forgiveness by His blood.

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c 2010 Judy Douglass

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