I Bear The Marks

There are times in our life where we can suffer many hurts and disappointments that leave permanent scars, but I have found that those scars or marks identify who(se) we are. This devotional, I Bear The Marks, tells about that.

I Bear The Marks

Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.


John 20:19-20
(19)Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (20) And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Throughout our lives, we all have accidents that cause injuries. These injuries, whether it be a knee scrape caused from a fall or an injury from a car accident, they all leave marks or scars on our bodies. Each mark or scar tells a story.

When Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected, he could have been resurrected with no marks, but he chose to have those marks remain in his resurrected body. His body was not resurrected as a perfect unblemished body, but there were scars upon it to mar and mark where man's cruel hands had induced death - inflicting wounds.

Do you ever wonder why Jesus chose to have the scars remain? As you can see in the verse above: John 20:19-20, the scars that remained on Jesus' body identified who He was, and what He was: the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Isaiah 53:5 says, He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed.

When Jesus came forth from the tomb of death, He came forth victorious. Yet, He came forth marked. What at first appeared to be the greatest defeat became the greatest victory!

There may be times in our life when all appears dark with the bitter taste of death and defeat, and life's problems seem to have gained a victory over us. Just as Mary Magdalene stooped down, weeping, and gazed into the cave that entombed the dead and lifeless body of her Lord, so it is with us at times. In our discouragement and despair, we stoop down before a tomb, gazing intently into it, never removing our eyes from our problems long enough to see the victory standing just behind us. People will even judge us many times for our behavior because they, too, do not see what's happening OR coming.

As Mary continued to weep at the entrance of Jesus tomb, new hope slipped up behind her. It came in the form of her resurrected, but marked, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In her preoccupation with her despair and hopelessness, she did not recognize her Lord. It wasn't until she heard His voice call her name, then she realized who was standing behind her. In order to receive what was standing behind her, she had to first turn away from that tomb of despair and hopelessness.

So it is with us. We have to turn our back on our problems and situations in our life and quit letting them rob us of our joy and faith. Once we turn to the voice calling our name, we come face to face with hope. There we fall at the feet of Jesus and worship our way to victory.

Mary Magdalene was often found at the feet of Jesus. It is when we are at His feet, that we are victorious! Yet, just as Jesus himself, remained marked and marred by the memory and the existence of the wounds that had been inflicted upon him, so it is with us. Often times, we remain marred and marked by the wounds that life and problems have left upon us. These wounds are not always viewed as something negative, nor are they expected to not remain. Jesus' wounds identified Him. Our wounds identify us.

Apostle Paul said in Galatians 6:17 ~~ from henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Sometimes our wounds will make others uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, they tend to judge. They may even feel that if we have been healed of past sins or have truly forgiven others for the wounds they have placed on us, that no sign of those wounds should ever remain. When signs of wounds do remain upon those who have been hurt, others may become offended. You are never left unscathed or unmarked by a wound or injury inflicted upon you by someone. But, instead of focusing on those wounds, focus upon the One who is able to take the sting of those wounds from us. Turn away from your painful preoccupation with your hurts and wounds, and see the wounds in the body of our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can give it, for others only see your behavior, but it is Jesus who sees the heart. Come and worship at His feet, and find new hope, joy, peace and healing!

Connie J. Schmoll