I would guess that most of us have a scar or two, either caused by a fall, an accident or injury, or surgery of some kind, either big or small, or maybe even a small burn. The healing processes of our bodies are truly wonderful. When skin is injured or cut in some way, new tissue is created which helps the skin to reseal itself. The scar helps the skin to repair its damaged tissue, to close the gap made by a cut, tear or surgical incision, and pulls together the wound. Isn’t that amazing! Our skin is such an essential part of our immune system. I am the proud bearer of several scars and surgical incisions. My first scar was caused when I was 10 years old and collided with a run of iron railings. The second scar followed the safe, emergency delivery of our first child. The third scar was to remove a facial blemish, and the fourth, more major scar, was the removal of a cancer. So, I have had my share of surgical scars. Such scars may fade over time but often remain.
There are also hidden scars that may be hidden, hard to detect, or deliberately concealed. People may carry emotional scars caused by distress of some nature. There may be a loss, a breakdown of a relationship, a mental health concern, the responsibility for the care of an aged partner or parent, a long-term health condition, and a whole range of other circumstances. A person may carry these burdens alone and those folk around them may not recognise the hidden trauma and scarring that is caused. Such scars may take a long time to heal and fade.
We have a Saviour who seeks to heal and to restore. A healing of any wound is a first essential, but Jesus is in the business of recovery, renewal, and restoration. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So, he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. Matthew 12 v 13 NIV
Then he showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal as it flowed from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of the street of the city and on either bank of the river grew the tree of life, bearing twelve fruits, a different kind for each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22 v 1-2 JBP
Recently, our thoughts have been with those who have said goodbye to long time partners and other dear family members. I came across this song Scars in Heaven, by Casting Crowns. It is a strong reminder that there will be no scars in heaven, other than those scars on the body, feet and hands of our Lord. We will be renewed and fully restored.
SONG
The only scars in Heaven, they won’t belong to me and you
There’ll be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now
There’ll be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now
Songwriters: John Mark Hall / Matthew Joseph West
Scars in Heaven lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
PRAY for those grieving the loss of loved ones, experiencing physical or emotional scars. May we be sensitive to their situation and kind in our words.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5 v 10-11 NIV
Jane Coates
8 February