READ: EXODUS 50
“As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me into this high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (V. 20)
Manatees, or Sea Cows, are gentle giants that inhabit the coastal waters of Florida. Each winter they journey from the open waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to seek the warmth of inland waters which are heated to 70 degrees by thousands of underground springs. During their migration journeys, they are often struck by boats leaving permanent scars on their bodies marking these unwanted encounters. Despite signs and constant enforcement efforts, reckless and self-centered boaters continue to strike these animals in record numbers producing their highly visible scars from living.
Each of us, like the humble manatees, are marked with scars from living–some highly visible and others well hidden in the deep recesses of our hearts. Most of us are marked by outward scars from physical injury or surgery that tell a story of pain and healing—stories we are prone to share to encourage others. But it is our hidden scars from living that frequently alter the way we see and react to others. Not many are eager to share scars of betrayal; scars of purposely inflicted emotional and mental hurt; scars left by unforgiveness; or scars left from acts of anger and vengeance. These deeply rooted personal injuries are covered by ugly scar tissue covering wounds that are still festering and unhealed. They become reopened with the slightest amount of agitation producing enhanced and lingering feelings of anger, despair, depression, and dissatisfaction. Eventually, these unhealed scars from living, become visible in the way we conduct all aspects of our lives.
Joseph, an Old Testament, larger than life biblical hero, was marked with scars from living that would make ours pale in comparison. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers; falsely accused of rape and imprisoned by his employer; and betrayed by a fellow prisoner who never called attention to his plight before Pharaoh, as promised, when he was restored to his position of power and influence. Through it all, Joseph remained faithful to God. In his heart, led by the spirit, he freely forgave all those who did him great wrong. His unwavering faith and trust in God resulted in the Lord using him to set in motion the redemption process for all the people of Israel who were held captive in Egypt. Joseph’s scars of living reflected his absolute faith bringing true Glory to God!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Scars from living are inevitable, but God can bring true healing to the tissues in the underlying wounds.
Dear God, help, heal and sustain me when my life is broken and scared by the forces of this world.