Category Archives: Wounds

Affliction, Attacks, Battles, Bible, Challenging, Consequences, Enslavement, Following, God's Will, Healing, Markers, Scars, Wounds

THE MARKS OF JESUS

GALATIANS 6:17

“From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.”

I’ve got several scars on my body. I can tell you all about them. Cut knee when I was just a boy. Pencil point in my palm, cancer surgery on my chest. Should I go on? I am sure you have your own scars and your own stories. Today, as Paul comes to the next to the last verse of his letter to the Galatians, he reminds them once again of his legitimacy as an apostle of Christ.

Paul had obviously been given trouble by these Judaizers who were trying to undermine what he had taught. They were constantly questioning his right to even teach. But he reminds them all that he had paid the price. We know of Paul’s beatings by rods. We remember how he was stoned. Paul had his share of scars and his own stories for each one. They were all for the cause of Christ, and he bore them proudly.

APPLICATION

What scars do you have in your journey to follow Jesus? You may have some emotional scars? You may have been beaten for your faith. The Greek word for “marks” is stigmata. It is only used right here in the New Testament. It literally means the brand a slave had burned upon him to show his master’s ownership. It also referred to the brands inflicted on those who were committed to serve in a pagan temple. Paul had his marks, as I mentioned above, which showed his loyalty to Jesus.

I am writing this blog on Memorial Day, a holiday we keep in the U.S. to remember those who have given their life in service to our country. They bore the ultimate sacrifice. They were mortally wounded. Their scars cost them their lives. There are people all over this world today who have given their lives for the cause of Christ. Just this week an American couple was killed in Haiti. They were missionaries who were killed by gang members. They entered heaven bearing the marks of Christ.

Reread the crucifixion verses and see the marks Jesus received. He was scourged, beaten, nailed to a cross, speared in His side. We may never receive those kinds of marks, but we will have marks. Wear your marks proudly. When people see you, let them be reminded of your loyalty to your master.

I thank You, Lord, for allowing me to be scarred for Your sake.

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Bible, Family, Hurts, Scripture, Wounds

WHO WOUNDS YOU?

ZECHARIAH 13:6

“‘And someone will say to him, “What are these wounds between your arms?” Then he will say, “Those with which I was wounded at the house of my friends.”’”

Years ago, I was working in a woodshop using a table saw to split some plywood. On the last cut, I made a big mistake. I let my glove get too close to the blade, and it was grabbed by the blade, resulting in my finger getting cut pretty bad. I still have that wound on my right index finger, right at my knuckle. It is a constant reminder to be safe around whirring blades.

When you first read today’s verse, you might miss the implications to Jesus. The Hebrew word for “arms” can also mean “open hand.” This person the Lord refers to here in Zechariah was wounded by his parents. Jesus was “wounded” by His Father at the cross. His hands were pierced. Those wounds could still be seen after the resurrection. His Father allowed those wounds for us.

APPLICATION

Listen, beloved. Our deepest wounds are often caused by those closest to us – our families. We cut each other deep at times. Unlike Jesus’ wounds which had a purpose, these wounds we inflict on each other are just hurtful. Have you suffered that? Has someone you love caused you wounds? What do you do about that?

We imitate Jesus. What did He do when He was wounded by those soldiers at the cross? What did He say about those who had cried out for His crucifixion? Luke 23:34 tells us. “But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’” He forgave them. He knew their actions were sin, but He asked the Father to forgive them. In fact, His death gave forgiveness for those very sins, if they would receive it.

I am not implying that it is easy for us to forgive those who have caused us wounds. But even in that moment, we have the opportunity to be Jesus. My late brother-in-law used to say about conflict, “Just be the wrong one.” I hated that. But he was saying what I am saying today. Forgive and let God handle the outcome. After all, you can do nothing else.

Lord, I am not capable myself to forgive those who have wounded me. Through Your power I can.

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