The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Genesis 32:22-32 // Psalm 28

“The people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip on the sinew of the thigh.”
Genesis 32:32

Sacred Scars

He walked with a limp. It could have been a reminder of a tragic injury. Instead, it was a reminder of God’s mercy. God met Jacob in the middle of a desperate, fearsome night. God injured Jacob’s hip, but blessed him as well. That hampered hip would remind Jacob of the blessing and the new name God had given him. He would no longer be “heel grabber” Jacob, but Israel – “he who struggles with God”. Israel’s descendants counted as sacred, as a remembrance of God’s grace, the joint that was touched.
We all carry scars. Some scars appear on our body, others in our thoughts and feelings. Scars remind us of injuries we have survived – by God’s grace.
God Himself has scars. Jesus’ glorified body in heaven still carries the scars of His crucifixion. These sacred scars are reminders of what He has suffered for us and that the price for sin has been paid. They are also the pledge that whatever God may allow in our life, the purpose is not to damage, but to build up and heal. Strengthened by His promise, we cling to Him in faith.

Lord Jesus, remind me by Your scars, Your gracious power is always at work, accomplishing Your purpose of love in my life. Amen.

September 29, 2006