BATTLE SCARS

John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Till date, this single episode described above, earned this apostle the name ‘doubting Thomas’. However, although a strong description, it is also one that should draw our attention to something else beyond our faith: results and the process by which they came. His position was rather clear “Unless I see his battle scars, I will never believe.”

While Thomas’ desire to see scars and feel wounds suggested unbelief without verification, he introduces us to the dimension of what qualifies as a verification of results. In this case, Jesus was risen, he had secured the prize of victory over death in the stead of man. What did He have to show? His scars and his wounds.

One statement that has stuck with me over the years is “run away from men with results but without battle scars”. This is not only physical scars, but badges that are testament of fierce determination. These scars may not be physical, but may be unseen badges of many tears, much study and prayer, warfare, periods of isolation and separation, even pain.

The nail pierced hands, the stripes hit back and the spear pierced side are the battle scars the Jesus has to show. In that regard, his victory can be affirmed. Scars aren’t always aimed at disfiguring, they sometimes serve as a reminder of one’s sacrifices in service and towards destiny actualization. What battle scars do you bear to anchor the results you are currently celebrating?

#sly