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The Art of Precious Scars
Psalm126: 1-6 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad. Bring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping,Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. In Japanese culture they practice the art of Kintsukuroi. That is quite the mouthful isn’t it? Say that back 3 times real fast…Ha! Ha! Kintsukuroi is the mending of broken pottery by joining the pieces back together with gold. The pieces are highly valued not because they are perfect but because they were once broken and have healed. It has been called by some the art of precious scars. Psalm 126 depicts the great hope of our faith. God, even in the messiness and chaos of our broken world, is making all things new. That our weeping might turn to singing and our tears to laughter. That even the most broken places within ourselves can become beautiful masterpieces in God’s hands. That when we lay our broken pieces at the feet of Jesus, when we open our hands and our hearts revealing our deepest shame, God will not only respond with healthy discipline, but also with mercy, renewal, and restoration. I would add only one more thought. Pastor Holmes mentioned from the pulpit the other day, that there is only one being in heaven at the end of time who still carries their scars on hands and feet. It is a beautiful picture that we see in Revelation chapter 5. The apostle John finds himself in the very throne room of God. He blinks through his tears and he peers. And there between the one that sits on the throne and all of creation is the lion of the tribe of Judah. But in this scene the great lion morphs into the slaughtered lamb of God. He carries the precious scars that he bore for us that we might become whole. We are reminded throughout all of eternity that by His stripes we are healed. Would you pray with me please? God, please grant me the grace to know you in my life. Please help me to see myself as more than just broken. Please help me to see myself as you see me. Amen. If you would like to spend some time in worship singing to the Lord on this theme, here is a beautiful song by Lauren Daigle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oaRYLEIeis Pastor Donny
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AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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