As Easter approaches, we face a very different Sunday, due to the coronavirus. Even though we are unable to gather and worship this Easter, let’s remember Jesus’ scars as we watch Lakeside’s Easter service together with our families from our homes. The coronavirus can’t stop us from worshiping and rejoicing in our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. May we focus on the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for us, visualize His scars, celebrate His joyous Resurrection, and cherish the promise of hope He gave us on the cross.
Scars are the result of injuries: bicycle accidents, car crashes, surgeries, playground falls, cuts and more. My biggest scar is on my left leg. I was four or five and I was excited to help my dad. I was sent to get the axe and warned not to run! So, guess what? I got the axe and started running down the long hill of our front lawn, the axe got to swinging…it hit my leg with its sharp blade and penetrated my skin leaving a scar that remains 60 years later.
We may also have emotional scars that can be deeper than physical scars. Some have scars from childhood or teenage abuses, terrible losses, traumatic events, and even pandemics. Only Jesus’ scars can heal those wounds.
Imagine Jesus’ scars in his hands and feet, far worse than the one left by the quick cut of an axe. The nails penetrated both sides of His hands and feet, through veins, tendons, muscles and skin. I look at my palms and consider Jesus’ scars and it brings me to my knees.
“So the other disciples told Him (Thomas), “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25 ESV).
As Easter approaches may we focus on the extreme sacrifice Jesus made for us, visualize His scars, celebrate His joyous Resurrection, and the promise of hope He gave us.
Jesus said, “See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have,” (Luke 24:39 ESV).
The next time I look at my scar, may I be reminded of Jesus’ precious scars that make a real difference in my life and in yours. May I ever be thankful for His scars.
There is a beautiful contemporary Christian song, “Scars” performed by the group ‘I Am They.’ The words speak a powerful message for all of us during this season.
“Scars”
“Scars” written by Ethan Hulse / Jon McConnell / Matthew Armstrong / Matthew Hein
“Waking up to a new sunrise
Looking back from the other side
I can see now with open eyes
Darkest water and deepest pain
I wouldn’t trade it for anything
‘Cause my brokenness brought me to You
And these wounds are a story You’ll use.”
“So I’m thankful for the scars, ‘Cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart. And I know they’ll always tell of who You are, So forever I am thankful for the scars. So forever I am thankful for the scars.”
“Now I’m standing in confidence
With the strength of Your faithfulness
And I’m not who I was before
No, I don’t have to fear anymore.”
“I can see, I can see
How You delivered me
In Your hands, In Your feet
I found my victory
I can see, I can see
How You delivered me
In Your hands, In Your feet
I found my victory.”
“So I’m thankful for the scars, ‘Cause without them I wouldn’t know Your heart. And I know they’ll always tell of who You are, So forever I am thankful for the scars. So forever I am thankful for the scars.”