A jagged white line marred my custom-coated vehicle. Disappointed disdain drummed through me as I viewed the scar. I strived to park balanced between marked lines, but somehow scratches appeared. Vehicles are not manufactured for bubble wrap storage but for purposeful transportation. Similarly, my body bears inner and outer scars resulting from life’s bumps and bruises, yet God fashioned it to bring honor and glory to Him. Roman soldiers inflicted horrible physical, mental, and emotional torture on Jesus. Our supreme servant suffered crucifixion scars on an old, rugged cross. Yet He was perfectly scarred.
A guilty verdict of blasphemy placed fully human and fully divine Jesus in a predicament destined to disfigure His visage. Nothing ignorant humanity attempted changed the Prince of Peace’s power and purpose. Isaiah 53 sums up a sobering synopsis: a message rejected, a person refused, and a mission misunderstood. The Messiah was pierced through for our iniquities. The punishment that purchased our peace happened to Him. Every stripe cut into Christ’s flesh, and God purposed each nail-scarred limb for our healing.
We sometimes view unwanted physical, emotional, or mental imperfections as unacceptable flaws. The pursuit of the perfect body and life, as portrayed through the world’s perspective, causes discontent and discouragement. We must look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Although disfigured by people, He completed His mission and remained perfect in the eyes of the Father. God sees us through the lens of love. If we abide in and obey His commands, the Lord transforms our scars and pain into glorious testimonies of faith and perseverance.
Today, celebrate victories. May each scar symbolize a badge of courage, powerful resilience, and testimony of God’s perfect plan for your life.
Sharon Simms is a writer.