Monday, July 14, 2014

God's Tattoo

It is said that you never forget your first love.  It is absolutely true when you have her/his name tattooed on your body (some of you are remembering right now).  It just isn't possible to forget someone's name when it is emblazened on your skin.

The whole idea of engraving or tattooing is to memorialize, to cause one to remember an event, an accomlishment or a person.  It is designed to create a permanent reminder that never washes off, never can be misplaced or lost.  It is designed to be ever with you.

Did you know that God has that kind of desire for his children and that, spiritually, he has tattooed our names on his person?  Did you know that God, has no intention of ever forgetting your name, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me" (Isa 49:16)?

When we wonder, "Why has God forgotten me?"  He hasn't.  When we think God turned his back on me.  He didn't.  When there is distance and a blurring of memory, it isn't his - it's ours.  While he ensures he will not leave us or forget us, he allows us the choice to turn away and focus on self.

When that happens, he also allows us to live with the consequences of our choices.  He doesn't forget us or close the door on us but he allows us to take the path we choose until we decide to open our hearts to him.  God doesn't force his way into our lives.  Instead, he "stands at the door and knocks" (Rev 3:20).

He hasn't forgotten you - he can't.  He is nearby, calling you to turn around, to open the door of your heart, to accept his offer of grace.  Jus' Sayn.

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