Scars - Good Friday

Only God can justify, and man can offer no service or sacrifice that reconciles us. This world full of sin will continue to scar, and it is our nature that brings this upon ourselves. The old Adam is around every turn, and our defiance and pride continue to muck up what was meant to be good. It is uncomfortable dealing with the pain of our shortcomings, and we are quick to puff out our chests as if we couldn’t possibly have a hand in the chaos and drama that ripples around. It is monstrously easy to point fingers and one step away from impossible to look in the mirror. The humility and foresight needed to wade through not only the darkness of this world but also the sins of our brothers and sisters in Christ can be difficult to muster for us all. And yet, we press on. Each day, we conquer that little smidge of temptation we couldn’t overcome the week before. That wound we received because of our neighbor’s actions heals because we choose compassion and forgiveness. The slashing sting of pushing God away fades as we draw closer to His Word and serve our neighbor. We continue to wound, be wounded, forgive, reconcile, and heal. We are sore and weary, but none of this can withstand the power of God’s grace. Only through Jesus Christ are we brought to glory despite our puny efforts and unfailing sin. The battle will go on, and the scars are going to compile. Thank God that He loves us so much. This is Good Friday because God is good. It is bittersweet as we recognize our deficiencies and the fact that Jesus came to “taste death for everyone” and suffer greater than we ever will, to save his beloved wayward children. Our scars remind us that we are flawed, and we can look upon our neighbors with compassion because we are all inflicted. The world will swirl around in its typical fashion for a little while yet, but there is infinite hope and light in the scars of Jesus Christ. It is Jesus’ suffering and death that helps us see and have compassion for the frailty that lies within all of us and gives us the strength to love and forgive tremendously, as we have been reunited with Our Father through His Grace Alone.

We come before You, humbled as we reflect upon the deep significance of the scars suffered by Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the wounds of Jesus that heal our brokenness and His victory over sin and death. As we contemplate the crucifixion, we also lift our own scars to You. Teach us to embrace them as testimony of Your constant goodness and let us be reminded of the strength and resilience we receive through our trials. Guide us to remain compassionate and bring hope to others who are hurting. Allow our wounds to lead us as witnesses of the redemption found in You. In Your Name, we pray. Amen