Scars

Scars. We all have a few. They come in many different types. Honestly, most of mine are from “stupid”. I have scars from the misuse of the correct tool. I have some from cutting towards myself. I think every child has been told to cut away from themselves; but do we listen? I have scars from cutting away from myself. (I used a dull knife.) I have scars from using the wrong tool. I have them from not wearing the proper PPE. I even have some from the classic “Hey Earl, watch this!” episodes of my life.

I have a few scars that were from surgeries. Some were to correct a problem; others were from accidents that didn’t fall in the category of “stupid”, but were really just, well, accidents. We as humans tend to try to hide most of these scars.

Then there are scars of honor. They could be battle scars, proud trophies of heroic deeds. I had an acquaintance in high school who was scarred while saving his little sister trapped in their burning house. I know he felt self-conscious about them, but to most of us they were a mark of true courage. I’m sure his sister feels the same way. Scars can tell stories of greatness and wonderfully unselfish acts.

Although our culture for the most part still prizes the perfect skin look, there is a set of scars that will always stand as a reminder of the most heroic deed ever. I’m thinking of the scars of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are told in scripture that we will receive “glorified bodies” in heaven. And though I really don’t know what that will entail, I know I want one. There will be no more pain or suffering, no more tears. One would assume the past and all of its mistakes will be wiped away, not like Betelgeuse bodies where the way you die is the way you stay.  (Sorry for the weird movie reference, but it makes the point.)

So even after He was glorified, why did Christ still have scars? His scars are the ultimate battles scars. He overcame DEATH. Sin’s penalty is paid and we are free to enter heaven as His adopted children. He even makes Chuck Norris look weak. (Sorry, Chuck.) They are His Badges of Honor and will forever be a reminder of His self-less sacrifice for us – the Lamb that was slain to redeem us!      

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29