THE
MARKS OF THE LORD!
Gal 6:17
17
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the
Lord Jesus.
Paul
was not claiming
that he bore the marks (stigmata) of Calvary which were the
two piercing wounds in his hands, the two in his feet, and the final stab in
Jesus’ side. No, but Paul had been beaten, stoned, and left for dead. He had
scars!
The
word “trouble”
is the Greek kopos which literally meant “to reduce my strength; to wear me
out.” What he was asking the Galatian church was that they put an end to their
contentions among themselves; return to the pure doctrine of the Gospel;
abandon those who were leading them astray; separate from the church those who
were corrupting and disturbing it; and to stop grieving him by their behavior.
Most
ministers today
have not “resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” (Hebrews 12:4) However there are wounds that are not seen. The
school yard chant of “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never
harm me” is not completely accurate. Yet Paul comes to the end of his letter
and he ends it the way he began – with grace!
Gal 6:18
18
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Dear
Lord, I know that my marks indicate ownership and I am glad that I am yours!
May your grace abound both to those who have wounded me and those who pour in
oil and wine. AMEN
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