June 5

Engraved on his Hands

While working as a Chaplain in Bradford, I came across a patient whose body was covered in tattoos. When I shook his hand on leaving, I noticed that even the palms of his hands were engraved in tattoos. It reminded me of a true story told by Marlene Chase, from the second world war.

A Russian citizen imprisoned by the Germans during the occupation watched his wife brutalized and killed. After, soldiers snatched her newborn child from her arms and gave it to a young officer who’s wife could not have children.

The prisoner gazed for the last time on the tiny lips and wide bewildered eyes of his child. Fearful of the cruelties that might erode his mental powers, the prisoner did an amazing thing. With his knife, he carved the name of his child on his right hand. Never would he allow himself to forget the object of his love.

This story brought to mind a saying from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah about God’s nature.

“ I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands”. ( Isaiah 49.16) This stirring statement of the Prophet shows us one of the most astounding pictures of God’s love for us.

This picture reminds me also of the nail-scarred hands of Jesus, after his crucifixion and resurrection which bear the marks of God’s love and caring, engraved with our names for all time. Now there’s a thought to ponder.

By John Jenkinson, Minister Of Longcauseway United Reformed and Methodist, and Highfield URC, Earlsheaton.

On behalf of the Churches Together in Dewsbury.

Churches		Together	in	Dewsbury

June 5	Engraved on his Hands While working as a Chaplain in Bradford, I came across a patient whose body was covered in tattoos. When I shook his hand on leaving, I noticed that even the palms of his hands were engraved in tattoos. It reminded me of a true story told by Marlene Chase, from the second world war. A Russian citizen imprisoned by the Germans during the occupation watched his wife brutalized and killed. After, soldiers snatched her newborn child from her arms and gave it to a young officer who’s wife could not have children. The prisoner gazed for the last time on the tiny lips and wide bewildered eyes of his child. Fearful of the cruelties that might erode his mental powers, the prisoner did an amazing thing. With his knife, he carved the name of his child on his right hand. Never would he allow himself to forget the object of his love. This story brought to mind a saying from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah about God’s nature. “ I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands”. ( Isaiah 49.16) This stirring statement of the Prophet shows us one of the most astounding pictures of God’s love for us. This picture reminds me also of the nail-scarred hands of Jesus, after his crucifixion and resurrection which bear the marks of God’s love and caring, engraved with our names for all time. Now there’s a thought to ponder. By John Jenkinson, Minister Of Longcauseway United Reformed and Methodist, and Highfield URC, Earlsheaton. On behalf of the Churches Together in Dewsbury.