“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed”
(Isaiah 53:5)
Reflection:
These scars of Jesus Christ are also a wonderful message of Hope and Re-assurance.
They are a testimony to the suffering He entered into and endured – our suffering that He embraced in embracing us. His wounds speak to our wounds, whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, and to our ongoing aching pain and grief. They speak of His love and His presence. They speak of His healing and a time when pain will be no more. They speak of a God who knows, who understands, who comforts, strengthens and redeems.
Although I am a poor, weak and wounded part of the body of Christ – inadequate, sinful and defiled – I am called to live within His wounds. For my wounds are His – He took them upon Himself – and by His stripes I am healed. He will never discard me for He has not discarded His own wounds – and I am a wound. Troubled by sin, crippled by fear, lonely and unloved – yet His scarred hands are open to us, reaching out to us. Look at His wounds, let those torn hands embrace you and lift you up again. Whisper your longing into the wound nearest to His heart – and He will comfort you. The wounds of Jesus are our refuge – and they must bring healing to those who put their trust in Him.
Finally, the scars are not just a sign of wounds – they are a sign of healing. For scars remain when the wound is healed. His scars are a sign and reminder of the great and wonderful healing that He has brought about – and continues to bring about- in the fallen lives of this world – as people reach out to Him.
Jesus Christ is a part of us – and as believers we are a part of Him. He has not withdrawn back to what He was before – He has entered heaven as He is now, with us and for us. His scars tell us so.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16)
Response:
Choose to believe and enter into His love
Prayer:
Lord Jesus help me to look upon the scars that You bear and to acknowledge Your great love, sacrifice and eternal provision for me. Hold me in those hands and may your love and strength and healing flow into me – so that I may bring glory to Your name. Amen.
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The Soaring Eagle 