One of John McCain’s punch lines during his two-year campaign in the 2008 United States Presidential election was “I’ve got the scars to prove it.” He was referring to the wounds he sustained when he was a prisoner of war. John McCain was engaged in a war of mortal combat when he sustained those wounds. Thank God, he is alive to tell the story.
There is, however, another Man who was engaged in a spiritual warfare against a formidable foe. His name is Jesus. This greatest of all battles was fought at Calvary for the souls of men, and the Lord Jesus “has the scars to prove it.” Isaiah wrote of the Saviour, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). When the apostle Thomas was told of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, he doubted. The next time the Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples, Thomas was there. When Thomas saw the wounds of Calvary he exclaimed “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
We are all in bondage to sin and Satan, because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God’s righteousness must be vindicated, Satan must be defeated, and mankind must be liberated. How could this be done? Only God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ could deliver us. In the Bible we read, “…that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15).
For three agonizing hours the Lord Jesus was engaged in a mighty spiritual combat against Satan for the souls of men as He gained the victory for mankind. He has the scars to prove it: “And I beheld and, lo, in the midst of the Throne… stood a Lamb as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6).
John McCain’s scars are a testimony of his commitment to a cause and his love for His country. The scars that the Lord Jesus bears are a revealing testimony of His commitment to a greater cause and of His enduring love for mankind. The whole world owes a debt of gratitude to Him for His death on the cross and the victory He gained. Why not open your heart to Him today and invite the Lord Jesus to come in? “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
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