Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 25: Scars
By Pastor Ronny Luces
I came across this fascinating theological riddle many years back, “What man-made thing is now in heaven”?
And the answer is – the SCARS in Jesus’ hands, feet and side.
Nails and the centurion’s spear created those bodily scars during Christ’s crucifixion.
Thomas sought those marks as proof of Christ’s resurrection (John 20:25 – “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”).
Thereupon, when Christ saw him a week later, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” And Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:26-28)
I remembered this riddle fairly recently when I took a bath and saw the scar at my side. It was the scar that resulted from a CTT tube insertion administered to drain fluids from my lungs.
When I looked at that scar, I was reminded of its significance. Without such a wound, the doctor couldn’t have performed the pleurodesis procedure, and I couldn’t have returned to my normal breathing pattern.
That wound has been a step towards my healing. That wound is necessary for me to be treated.
The scar resulting from that wound serves as proof that we have exhausted all means to treat my bodily problem.
Reflecting on this theologically, I am reminded of my own sinfulness and my deep gratitude to God for giving us his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.
In Isaiah 53: 5, it says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED.
Without the scars in Jesus’ body, we are still on our way to perdition. But thanks be to God; we were forgiven!
Posted on FB: 17 March 2015 – 1:37 PM
About the Author
Rev. Ronny Luces was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and his wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.
Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.
In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he had lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy.
Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny wrote his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness.” In July 2015, he passed away.
May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles.
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