Good morning. There is a story of a little girl, about 3 years old, who would shrink back in fear when her mother would reach out to her. Naturally, this was heartbreaking for the mom, and it was obviously traumatic for the little one. The problem was the scars. This mom’s hands and forearms were terribly scarred. And yes, it was difficult to look upon. Finally, when the time came that she felt her daughter could understand, this mom explained her scars to her precious little child. “You see” the mom told her, “When you were just a little baby and sleeping in your crib, there was a fire. The fire wasn’t in your room, but it was at your door. In order for me to get to you, and save you, I had to reach through the fire. Reaching through the flames to open that door left me scarred like this. I know it is hard for you, but every time I see the scars, I remember how much I love you and that it was worth every scar and all the pain to save you.
The little girl hugged her mom tight and told her that from then on, she would think of her mom’s love whenever she saw the scars and never be afraid of them again.
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.So the other disciples told him, “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.” Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:24-29
Can you close your eyes and see the scars on His wrists, His feet, His side? Every one of them, each ugly mark in the flesh, is a testimony to His love for each of us.
Please take a moment this morning to consider those scars, each one telling you how much He loves you and the price He was willing to pay to save you. His amazingly powerful love is revealed to us in an ugly, but also very beautiful, way.
Vern