18 June: Tuesday Refocus

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” - Proverbs 27:6

Every person has been wounded in relationship. This is a part of life in a fallen world: necessary things intended for our good and flourishing have been distorted and warped by sin. I believe it is not the wound of a friend that leaves a scar, but the unwillingness to be so committed to those we love that we are willing to speak the truth in love and walk alongside one another for the long haul that leaves us grieved and groaning.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Faithful.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:12-15

Father, in your grace, would you make us the kinds of friends who are faithful in our wounds, amen.

Amen,

AB

April 21: Tuesday Refocus

‘The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;

They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;

But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,

And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.’ - Edward Shillito

Each of us bears wounds internally and externally.  Wounds which take the shape of our own sin, and others which resemble the sin committed against us.  Some wounds are in the shape of the refining, sanctifying, love and discipline of God (Heb 12:6).  And still, other wounds are ‘…carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested… (2 Col 4:20).’

Your wounds may not cause delight, but they can cause wonder and worship.  Because our Savior bears eternal scars.  

He is the Suffering Servant (Is 53),

the High Priest able to empathize (Heb 4:15),

the One acquainted with all our ways and acquainted with grief (Ps 139:3, Is 53:3).

the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep, bearing the marks of His death and resurrection for all eternity (1 Cor 15:20, Jn 20:27)

‘Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure we will also reign with Him.  If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.’  2 Timothy 2:11-13

In light of the eternal weight of glory, our wounds will seem light and momentary (2 Cor 4:17).  Because out of the perfection of beauty, God shines forth - bearing eternal scars (Ps 50:2).

Thank you, Jesus, that our suffering is never in vain, never for naught, and accomplishing our maturity.  Thank you that we never suffer alone, we can place our wounds in the hands that have been wounded for us.  We love you and are grateful, in Your name, amen.

Sharing,

AB