Scars

Recently, I had minor surgery to remove a small skin cancer on my face. Though the surgery left a two-inch scar, I was grateful that the cancer was detected and treated in time. As I recovered, I marvelled at God's handiwork in healing and knitting together the damaged portion of my skin in order to restore the protective covering for my body.

This newest scar is one of many that I've accumulated over my lifetime, and I consider them to be a sort of roadmap of my life's journey. Some of my foolish childhood escapades left scars from cuts and burns, while later scars in adulthood came from other minor surgeries.

Scars leave an indelible reminder of some sort of trauma to the body. Some scars are a result of wounds that came from our own actions. Others may result from someone else's actions, such as a car crash caused by a drunk driver. These wounds heal, but a scar is left to serve as a lasting reminder.

Scars may fade and diminish over time, but they are usually permanent and often visible to other people. Not all scars are visible on the outside, however. Interior scars resulting from internal surgery will never been seen by others. There are also invisible, intangible scars which come from wounds to the heart, mind, or soul.

A scar can sometimes be a cause for shame and embarrassment. Jesus' grievous wounds to His head, hands, feet, and side were intended by His enemies to heap shame and reproach upon Him, but were, instead, a mark of His love for us.

Romans 5:7-8 – Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)

One verse of the old hymn, Crown Him with many crowns, reminds us:

Crown Him the Lord of love;
Behold His hands and side,
Those wounds yet visible above,
In beauty glorified.
       – Matthew Bridges, 1851

How grateful we can be for Jesus' scars that will still be visible in heaven as proof of the price that He paid for our redemption.

1 Peter 2:24 – He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (NLT)

Points to ponder: Scars need not be a reason for shame or embarrassment. Can you be thankful to God for your scars that are proof of His healing power, rather than being bitter and resentful of the cause of the scars? Can you pour out your thankfulness for Jesus' scars that evidence His love for you through His death and resurrection?

Prayer: Dear Lord, You have offered perfect and complete healing for our souls as well as our bodies. Though healing may not be fully realized until we reach heaven, may we be grateful for the healing work that You have begun. Most of all, thank You for Your nail-scarred hands and feet that show Your divine love for us. Amen.