Scars

Most of us who have lived into the "Golden Years" of life carry a scar or two, memories of accidents or surgeries.  I was good at breaking bones as a child, breaking my right leg twice before I was old enough to go to school.  Then when in second grade, a fall after church one night cut a good sized gash in the back of my head, and that had to be stitched up.  Cuts and scratches from experiencing everyday life as a boy also left memories of how much some medicines can sting.

In my older life, it became necessary to have shoulder surgery, which involved 4 tiny openings, and can now be distinguished by the scars left behind.  Then the "biggie!"  A hip replacement a couple of years ago left its mark on my hip.

Scars are something we live with.  They rarely disappear.  They are reminders of unpleasant trips to the ER for medical attention, and the constant retelling of stories with all the details.  But I carry other scars as well.

The scars of sin are not always visible but we all have them.  They may come in the form of guilt or even the sadness when we did something bad, or neglected to do something good.  Just like the visible scars are reminders of the pain associated with accidents or surgeries, the scars of sin are made real to us when we experience the emotional heartache of something in our lives which displeases God.

There are some other scars I must tell you about. It's from one of the visions into heaven which John writes about in Revelation 5.  Right there in verse 6 we are given a glimpse of the Lamb of God.

"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne."

The scars of Jesus are not because of his sin, but mine.  I am anxious to see him, and suddenly realize this Lamb that was slain and sacrificed for the sins of mankind bears those scars for me.

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation." (v. 9)

He is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise for his work of redemption for us all. The new song of Revelation 5 is our new song, too. But even greater than that, John heard every creature in heaven and on earth, even under the earth and sea, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”  (v. 13)

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

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