Scripture is clear that we will each face the devastation of the “battle that rages” as long as we have breath. From the beginning of Genesis through today, not much has changed insofar as the depravity of the human condition and the unforeseen tragedies that drop into our lives like bombs in the night. As I write this, our country is at war. Soldiers always refer to war as being “hell.” Thankfully, most of us will never experience firsthand the ravages of what that kind of war does to the body and soul. However, each of us will experience firsthand what the body and soul will suffer as a result of living in a fallen world. What would motivate anyone to press on?

It’s Jesus. The literal “good news” is Jesus. He suffered the ultimate battle scars:

            A bruised head.

            A swollen face.

            A beaten body.

            A lanced side.

            Nail pierced hands and feet.

Scripture tells us He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He died so that we could live. He overcame the world, He overcame the war, and He will heal every wound. He is the ultimate liberator! God can and does create beauty from ashes. Jesus lived and died so that there would be redemption after the fall, dawn after darkness, and resurrection after death. Those who believe in Him and who call on His name will surely see their battle scars transformed into beauty marks. They will have quite a hero’s welcome in heaven, and they will experience unspeakable joy in that grand homecoming parade. They will celebrate in the New Jerusalem, where there will be no more sorrow or sickness or sin. They will see Jesus and celebrate His faithfulness.

He is the bridegroom who keeps His covenants.

He is the father who provides guidance.

He is the friend who is always there.

He is the hope and the healing.

He is the reason for living.

He is the strong tower.

He is the helper.

He is God.

 

Do you know Him like that?