There are some cultures where people are encouraged to have tattoos. These tattoos may have tribal significance. Other cultures may accept tattoos as simply pretty, and some cultures frown upon tattoos that are openly visible for all to see.

    What is interesting is that God says he had a tattoo. In Isaiah 49:14, the people of Israel say that God has forgotten them. But God says he has not forgotten them. In verse sixteen we read, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”

    God does not have physical hands, but he uses this symbolism to make the point that he does not forget his people. He has his people’s names written on his palms. Most tattoos are on the side of a person’s arms, on the back or on the legs. If a tattoo is on these places, clothing will cover it up. However, clothing rarely covers up the palms of the hands. The palms of the hands are very visible and constantly in front of the eyes. Whatever is on the palms is a constant reminder.

    Is your name written on God’s palms? Do you study your Bible? Do you obey the Bible? If you do not, your name is not written on God’s palms. Make sure God writes your name on his palms. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

---

God's Bare Holy Arm

    In ancient times, most people wore loose fitting clothes. Even soldiers wore loose fitting shirts. The looseness allowed the individual to do many things without the arm being cramped. However, when it was time for the heat of battle, the soldier would roll his sleeve up and tuck it over his shoulder. This would completely free his arm so that he could swing his sword in any direction. When a normal worker was getting into very serious hard labor, he would also tuck his sleeve over his shoulder. When a person was seen with his arm bare, it was a sign that something serious was happening.

    In Isaiah 52:10 we read, “The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” This chapter is full of prophecies about Christ. This verse is also about Christ. Christ is pictured as God’s bare arm. In Isaiah 51:9-11, the arm is described as the one who made the sea a dry ground for the Israelites to cross over.

    When Christ came to earth, He did not preach and teach in secret. He did not do his miracles in secret. He did these things in the open so that all could hear and see. He allowed himself to be crucified in full view of the world. Then, He sent the Holy Spirit for the Christians during the first century so that they could do miracles. These miracles were to verify that they were indeed preaching the Word of God, the New Covenant through Christ.

    Christ’s mission was a serious one. He taught about the coming kingdom. He taught of salvation. He worked very hard during his preaching ministry. In fact, He seldom got sleep. He is now the Prince of Peace leading his troops in a spiritual battle. In all ways, He is the Bare Holy Arm of God.

    We are to follow Christ. He is our example. We should figuratively tuck our shirtsleeves over our shoulders. We should work hard for our Heavenly Father. We should be in the middle of the spiritual battle.

    Study your Bible. Learn all you can. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.