Remember the Scars

1 Corinthians 11:24 – “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”

Some years ago, Triumphs of Faith carried a story about General John B. Gordon and his campaign for a seat in the United States Senate. When the time came for his name to be placed in nomination, a former army comrade was present in the voting body. Because of a resentment that had developed between the two through the years, the general knew he could not expect the support of his fellow officer in his bid to become a senator. As the balloting began, however, the man’s attention was drawn to Gordon who was seated on the platform. At that moment his eyes fell upon a scar on the general’s face, a mark of his valor and suffering for the cause to which he had literally given his life’s blood in battle.

Immediately the old soldier was stricken with remorse. As he saw this token of sacrifice and pain that had been endured by the man at whose side he had fought, he cried out with great emotion, “I cannot be against him; I had forgotten the scars…I had forgotten the scars!”

How much more tragic it is if we forget the marks which speak of the suffering our Savior endured for us on the cross? His brow was punctured with a thorny crown, cruel nails pierced His hands and feet, and a sharp spear was thrust into His side. Yes, the very body of the Lord Jesus speaks of the great sacrifice He paid for us. May it never be necessary for us to say, “We have forgotten the scars.” Rather, let us contemplate the price He paid on Mount Calvary. Then, with hearts filled with thanksgiving, we will be motivated to true and loyal service to our Lord and Savior.