On a recent outing, I noticed a tree with barbed wire snarled around the base. The wire cut deep into the bark of the tree. Maybe a wire fence once surrounded the tree years back while it was just a sapling. Over the years, as the tree grew, the trunk grew too big for the fencing. Despite the wire, the tree continued to grow, but the wire left a permanent scar on the tree.
Do you have any scars? Some of those scars may be physical while others are invisible, emotional hurts. My knees contain the scars from a fall during my childhood that left me in a body cast for six months. My stomach is also littered with scars from various surgeries. And, my largest emotional scar comes from the death of my son many years ago.
Purpose of Scars
Scars remind us of the struggles we faced in life. Whether they came from childhood antics or more serious events, they hold memories for us. And, like the tree, we continue to grow despite our wounds. We might even get to where we wear some of our scars, like a badge of courage.
Scars can also teach us. They teach us that healing from physical trauma is possible. They show us we overcame the things that hurt us. And they are a testimony of our endurance. Our scars can remind us of the suffering Christ endured for us on the cross.
We can use our scars as part of our testimony about all Christ has done in our lives. They are physical evidences of the power of our redeeming and saving Lord. They are a kingdom badge of honor. They show to the world the words from Genesis 50:20 (NCV); “You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.”
Jesus’ Scars
Through the Bible, we learn that Jesus’ body bore the scars of His crucifixion even after He rose from the grave. The disciple, Thomas, announced he would only believe Christ arose if he saw the scars. John 20:27 (NIV): “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’” The scars reminded Thomas of the story of Christ’s death and resurrection, and they can do the same for us.
[bctt tweet=”Jesus’ scars are a visible reminder to us of the sacrifice He made for us.”]
Jesus’ scars are a visible reminder to us of the sacrifice He made for us. They also assure us that through His own suffering, Christ understands our painful scars. And, when we reach our heavenly home, Jesus’ scars remain while all of ours will disappear for all eternity.
Sinful Ones
Another type of wound comes from the sins in our life. Christ offered Himself as our sacrifice, as shown in 1 Peter 1:19 (ESV), “but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” The blood of Christ washes away the mark of sin from our life when we accept Him as our Savior. His scars will heal our scars, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
We all suffer from grievous wounds, both visible and invisible. Jesus came to save us, heal us, and restore us. He wants us to be whole once again. So, will you give Him your scars?
Prayer
Father, I thank you for Jesus’s nail-scarred hands and feet. They are a reminder of your great love for us, that you would send your son to die for the forgiveness of our sin. You have promised to work all things together for our good and for your glory. Thank you, Father, that you never waste our pain, and that our scars will serve as a testimony to your goodness and faithfulness to us. Because of, and in the name of Jesus, Amen. (From https://drmichellebengtson.com/)
We can be thankful for Jesus’s scars because they do remind us of what He went through for us. They are the most beautiful scars in the world.
Amen. And someday we will see them in person. Thanks Barbara
My scars tell a story, and many have taught me valuable lessons. But Jesus’s scars saved my soul! Thank you, Yvonne. Great piece.
Thank you Jessica. I can relate as my scars help to tell my story too. But Jesus’ scars do save us. Blessings
I have a scar on my hand from a surgery, and I usually lament it’s ugliness. In reality, though, my scars represent a victory, a testimony of God’s faithfulness. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
The are our battle wounds from our earthly battles and Christ’s victory. Thanks Annie. Blessings
I love this! The blood of Christ washes away the mark of sin from our life when we accept Him as our Savior. His scars will heal our scars, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
We all suffer from grievous wounds, both visible and invisible. Jesus came to save us, heal us, and restore us.
Thank you for the uplifting reminders
His scars heal our scars, so beautiful to think about. Thanks Melinda. Blessings
We all have scars, caused by a variety of circumstances, some our fault, but others from situations beyond our control. We are so blessed that our Savior gave His life for us, and we can receive this gift just by believing. His love will heal all the broken places and scars. Thank you for this message of hope and assurance.
Thank you Katherine. God had a purpose for all our scars. Blessings
My wife and I have long-commented, “Our scars are the roadmap of our lives.” Your wonderful post has led me to add a few new landmarks to the journey.
Great way to think about them too. They do tell a story. Thanks JD. Blessings
Beautiful. I have learned that my scars bring me closer to God.
Good point. Mine remind me of all the ways God takes care of me. Thanks Melissa. Blessings
Yvonne, your post helps us see the truth of what Joseph said that God purposes what happens in our lives for our good. And those occurrences bring Him glory. The precious scars of Jesus teach us their value and prompt us to remember His goodness. Thank you for this valuable post.
Great thoughts Jeannie. I appreciate you visiting and commenting. Blessings
Yvonne, a beautiful message that there is purpose in our scars. Thankful Jesus understands scars and came to heal us.
I know mine remind me of the ways God provided for me in the darkest times. Thanks Karen. Blessings
Great post, as a brain injury survivor, I have both visible and invisible scars.
May the Lord continue to heal and bless you. Thank you Martin.
Beautiful post. Scars are so hard at the time of wounding, but I love how God uses them for His glory.
Thanks so much Jen. Everything we go through has a Godly purpose. Thanks Jen. Blessings