Galatians 6:17 ‘From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus’.

• DAILY READING – • Acts 25; Ruth 1-2; Psalm 47

There is one famous and fascinating incident in the life of Dr. David Livingstone who was one of the most popular British heroes of the late 19th-century. This incident has been captured in diverse artworks by different artists and sculptors. It was the moment when he was attacked by a lion. As a pioneer Christian missionary and explorer, he was on a marathon coast to coast mission through Africa, and at this time, was stationed at Mabotsa, in Botswana South Africa. In this town, there were many lions terrorizing the villagers. Dr. Livingstone felt that, if he could kill just one lion, the other lions would take it as a warning and leave the village.

On 16 February 1844 Dr. Livingstone was working on the ditches of the watercourse when some natives ran to him to help them kill a lion that had just dragged off some sheep. On seeing the lion, he fired both barrels of his gun. But the shots only wounded the lion without killing it.. As Dr. Livingstone vainly tried to reload, the lion leapt on him and catching him by the arm, shook him ‘as a terrier dog does a rat’. Dr. Livingstone’s upper arm was splintered at once. He was only saved by the sudden appearance of an elderly convert who snatched a gun, loaded and fired both barrels. Though the gun misfired, it had at least diverted the lion at this crucial moment, causing it to leave Dr. Livingstone. But as the lion tried to attack the convert it suddenly fell down and dropped dead. It had been killed at last by the wounds initially inflicted by Dr. Livingstone’s gun. However the lion had seriously wounded Dr. Livingstone’s left arm. While the broken bones later bonded strongly, enabling him to use the arm again, the scar of 11 permanent tooth marks of the lion still remained on Dr. Livingstone’s arm. These scars became to him constant reminders of God’s saving grace.

Indeed scars can serve as powerful signs and reminders of God’s grace at work in our lives; the enemy may have tried to stop you, but God’s grace had delivered you. And despite what you went through, you’ve come through healed, restored, vindicated, blessed and fulfilling your purpose.

Though we may have scars, more importantly we have the victory. Despite all the battles, we are still here. That sickness didn’t take you out, that financial trouble didn’t give you a heart attack, that family crisis didn’t drive you crazy. Though the enemy gave it his best shot, God still pulled you through.

The truth is that anyone who is serious with God and poses a threat to the kingdom of darkness will fight battles. It’s been said that the reason why the devil is not bothering some Christians is because they are not bothering him either. But every genuine child of God will face battles. And as good soldiers of Christ we will often bear marks from such battles fought and won.

Galatians 6:17 says ‘From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus’.

Here Apostle Paul was referring to the things he had to suffer for the sake of Christ. This could also have included the bodily scars and blemishes from his many persecutions; he was in prison frequently, exposed to death again and again, on one occasion he was actually killed, though God mercifully raised him up, five times he received 39 lashes, three times he was beaten with rods and once he was stoned. [2 Corinthians 11:23-28].

Yet despite all he went through, Paul’s scars were his credentials of the grace of God at work in his life. Indeed when you serve God, you will constantly face battles, but then, thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph through Christ. Our victory in every battle is guaranteed by the ultimate scar Jesus bore for us at Calvary.

Jesus was betrayed, falsely accused, beaten with rods, forced to wear a crown of thorns, lashed with thirty-nine stripes, His hands and feet and side were pierced, and He was crucified. When Jesus rose from the dead, He had His scars from these sufferings. However, those scars became His marks of victory and triumph over the enemy. And that is why today by His stripes we are healed.

By redemption we bear the mark of the Blood of Christ upon us, which causes evil to pass over us. These marks indicate we have been purchased by blood and set apart for God. Therefore, henceforth no man or devil is permitted to trouble us. Our case is different, we are exempted and made untouchable by the Blood of Jesus. This is why we should continually give God praise, because through the blood of Jesus we have been made overcomers and conquerors in every battle of life.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the mark of the Blood of Jesus upon my life. I thank You that in every battle, my victory through the Blood of Jesus, is already guaranteed in Jesus Name.

QUOTE

Praise always guarantees you power for a raise, learning to praise God in season and out of season is key to fulfilling destiny. – WORD