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“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:16a (ESV)

Ever find yourself reaching in a sea of hands trying to get an autograph? Definitely not me – I have my fave tennis players but you would probably never see me running up to them for an autograph. My husband, on the other hand, loves getting autographs. If he is at a pro event, you can guarantee he will come home with a celebrity’s signature.

When a birthday surprise landed us center court to watch Serena and Venus Williams play tennis getting an autograph never crossed my mind. I was just excited to be at a “real” tennis match within feet of the players. Weather forced the event inside a smaller venue and the stands were packed. No air conditioning….just a lot of people scrunched shoulder to shoulder anticipating an exciting match. My husband, however, had his eye on the autograph and we didn’t leave without one.

Whose did we get? Well it wasn’t Serena or Venus. The coveted signature was Colton’s. This cute little boy with a head full of wavy blond hair loved tennis. In between court changes, my husband carried on a conversation with Colton and learned it was his seventh birthday. Eager to grab that autograph, my husband asked Colton to sign his paper. Colton’s eyes got really big and then he printed his name very carefully. Priceless moment for a seven year old – quite the celeb!

Sweet reminder that our God is a collector of names. If we have accepted Christ as our Savior our name is written down in the Book of Life. A permanent autograph that seals our destiny. Doesn’t matter whether we are rich, poor, famous or a wallflower – God cherishes the name of His children. No preferential treatment – we’re all equal in the eyes of God. No limit on how many pages this book can hold – there’s always room for one more. He’s the collector of names, etched in the palm of His hands. He’s the one who never forgets and never rejects. God is the ultimate keeper of the records of life, and He longs for all to have their name written down.

The unfolding of scripture reveals there is coming a day when Christ when return for His own. And those who have believed in Him, whose names are written down will spend forever in His presence. Don’t leave this world without Him – eternity in Heaven is the coveted prize – one we don’t want to miss.

“Father, praying for those who still are holding on to their way and haven’t accepted You as Savior. Asking You for divine appointments and just the right words to share Your love with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life