It happens in garages, in Grandma’s living room after Christmas dinner, and in front of TVs with the big game on. Guys are talking about their wounds. Oh yeah … we love to retell the stories. It might go like this:
Joe – Do you remember when we were alligator hunting down in Florida, and that big old gator got me by the arm?
Bob – Oh wow, that was crazy, let’s see those scars.
Joe – (rolls up sleeve to reveal scars) Look at those!
Bob – Those are beauties! Do you remember when I broke my leg in ’96 when we were playing football on Thanksgiving?
Joe – Uggggly! Your leg is still crooked! That was nasty.
The wounds tend to become marks of honor. They point to shared experiences. The retelling happens everywhere when guys are gathered. My son John and I play the same game.
John – Dad, do you remember when you bashed your finger while working on the Shelby exhaust pipe in 2003?
Larry – Whew boy! That still hurts to think about it! (holds out finger) Look at that … it’s never been the same! They had to cut off my wedding ring at the Emergency Room.
John – (laughing) There was blood everywhere!
Larry – How about when we were installing your laminate floor last year? We jokingly said if you and I were doing the job … there would be blood!
John – (laughing) And there was! Boy, did that hurt! Look … it left a mark! (holds out hand showing scar)
Larry – Good one, Son!
We are nearing our annual remembrance of Christ on the Cross. We remember the wounds of Jesus … the high price paid for our redemption. And isn’t it fascinating to reflect on the fact that even though the Resurrected Lord was in His glorified body, the wounds were still visible. When Thomas meets the resurrected Jesus, he can put his finger in the nail prints of His hands and place his hand in Jesus’ pierced side. And when we see Jesus in Heaven, the book of Revelation says His wounds will still be visible!
In the great old hymn, “Crown Hymn With Many Crowns,” verse 2 celebrates this truth, “Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side, Rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified. All hail, Redeemer hail! For Thou hast died for me, Thy praise and glory shall not fail, Throughout eternity.” Public Domain. Words by Matthew Bridges.
Scripture teaches that we will be made new … healed … restored … perfect … yet our Lord will carry His wounds as an eternal reminder to us of the price of our salvation. Amazing love! So, in this Lenten / Easter season, remember!
“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.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV).
Remembering and retelling the truth of His wounds.
Larry M. Dentler, CBC Executive Board
