the scars made him the savior

In our minds, we often define ourselves by a string of our greatest life moments. We see ourselves as the sum total of the things we have done well, sometimes even reveling in the story that "we" have written. Convinced of the uniqueness and merit of what we have to offer the world, we use our voice to identify who we are and what we stand for. Certainly, we tell ourselves, we have made mistakes... but the general essence of who we are is a bulleted list of our crowning life achievements and relationships.

Jesus, on the other hand, became the Savior of the world by... having scars.

It happens twice in John 20, that he asserts his identity, defines who he is, proves Himself as true... by showing the disciples his scars. "When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord" (vs 20). "Then [Jesus] 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" (vs 27).

Apart from the scars, it would have been impossible for Jesus to be who He is... the Savior of the world. The CROSS defined Him. His parables and miracles were amazing accomplishments, and even God-inspired and God-made-possible. But it was the Cross, and the subsequent scars, that exalted him to kingship.

Perhaps I would view my burdens, trials, and failures differently if I recognized that they are what define me. They position me to desperately need to be redefined instead by the Cross and the Savior... not by my own good outweighing my own bad, but by bearing the scars which identify me as His and tell myself and the world how much I need Him.

Waking up to a new sunrise

Looking back from the other side

I can see now with open eyes

Darkest water and deepest pain

I wouldn't trade it for anything

'Cause my brokenness brought me to you

And these wounds are a story you'll use

So I'm thankful for the scars

'Cause without them I wouldn't know your heart

And I know they'll always tell of who you are

So forever I am thankful for the scars

Now I'm standing in confidence

With the strength of your faithfulness

And I'm not who I was before

No, I don't have to fear anymore

So I'm thankful for the scars

'Cause without them I wouldn't know your heart

And I know they'll always tell of who you are

So forever I am thankful for the scars

I can see, I can see

How you delivered me

In your hands, in your feet

I found my victory

I'm thankful for your scars

'Cause without them I wouldn't know your heart

And with my life, I'll tell of who you are

So forever I am thankful

I'm thankful for the scars

'Cause without them I wouldn't know your heart

And I know they'll always tell of who you are

So forever I am thankful for the scars

So forever I am thankful for the scars

Scars, I am They