Scars
By Jeremy Glaze
Scar (skär) n. 1 -a mark left on the skin or other tissue after the wound, burn, etc. has healed; (Websters New World Dictionary).
We are very familiar with scars. Most of us have one or more scars on our body to reference. Scars can serve as a reminder of or a lesson learned from an action or procedure that caused pain on our bodies. As the definition states, a scar is mark left after the wound has healed, or after the pain is gone. Scars serve a purpose.
When the disciple Thomas heard that Jesus had resurrected, he stated “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand and into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). And when Jesus came to Thomas a week later, He granted his wish. Jesus said “Put your finger here; see my hands. reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27).
Why did Jesus still have the holes in His hands and side after the resurrection? I believe Jesus’ flesh was made new when He arose from the grave. I don’t think He looked the same as He did when he was placed in the tomb. His friends never recognized Him at first. His body was no longer blood stained and bruised from the torment he took at His death. So why did He still have these significant scars? His scars served a purpose. Thomas had to see these scars to believe that his Savior had indeed risen.
His scars were the evidence of the victory that has come.
Now let’s look at ourselves. Let’s look at the emotional scars that will not go away. We all have them. And I bet that most of us view our scars as a reminder of the pain that we once suffered. The scars may be permanent. Even if redemption has come, a relationship is reconciled, justice has been served, or forgiveness was given, the scar remains. Memory keeps it in place. But it does not have to be a thorn that brings us back to the pain.
Let’s go back to the definition. A scar is a mark after the wound has healed. Instead of the pain, we can focus on the healing. The redemption. No, we may not forget what happened, the people around us may not forget. But let’s use the scar as evidence that God has resurrected us and made us new. He has brought us to the other side. By the His grace we have made it! Do not try to rip the scar back open to expose the open wound. Know that the wound is healed. Just as Jesus did, use the scars so they may believe victory has come. Whether it is our own belief, or others who were aware of our situation, our scars can be the testimony of healing and redemption.
Scars are the story of the victory that was won. This was the story with Jesus, and it can be the story with you and me.
Let’s stop doubting and believe!
great insight. Scars are the marks after the pain helps us know the pain is in the past and we need to focus on a scar-free future.
I love that- “helps us know the pain is in the past”. I wish I would have thought of that yesterday while I was writing this
. Thanks,