Today’s scripture: John 19:31-37 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
There is a 2-inch (5.08 cm) long scar on my neck which runs horizontally. It is very noticeable — it’s even a different color from the rest of my skin. Yet, I absolutely love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world. In fact, I try to have it included in any close-up photograph of my face.
There are other scars on my body — ones which I would like to erase — but the scar on my neck is very special. This one was earned as part of a surgery to rid me of a great deal of pain that had been building up for several years. I call it my “Souvenir from the Land of Pain-Be-Gone.” Every time I look in the mirror, I am pleasantly reminded of how good I feel now compared to how I did before the operation.
I sense a real connection to today’s passage because it includes a reference to Jesus receiving a very visible scar, too. However, the reason Jesus earned his scar was in reverse order of mine and far more dramatic: his was the result of going from good health to indescribable pain and, ultimately, to death.
When I see Jesus in the next life, I’m going to thank him in person for enduring everything he did — on behalf of humanity — in receiving that Beautiful Scar of Love on his side (along with the ones in his hands and feet). Every time I see his nail and spear scars, I’ll remember how much he loved us all during his life on Earth.
Yes, I am (literally) eternally grateful to Jesus. For now, I show my thanks by attempting to follow his teachings.
Thought for the day: Because of Jesus, I’ll one day reach the ultimate “Land of Pain-Be-Gone”!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.