Leaving a Scab on the Cross

I ran into a funny word as I was translating Greek this week.  The word is skandalon which is translated as “temptation to sin” or “offense.”  In my opinion, this word does not sound pretty.  It sounds like something that will leave a mark when used.  To me, it leaves a scab on whatever object it speaks about.

For example, in the context of Galatians chapter 5, Paul writes to a church that is dealing with a misunderstanding of faith.  The people of the church are putting their faith into the law and not into Christ.  Paul writes in verse 11 that the cross abolishes those who are making an offense to the cross by putting too much focus on the law.  In this case, we could say that those “offenders” are leaving a scab on the cross.

It’s weird to see how much a scab can affect a situation.  For example, when I was a little kid and first learning how to ride a bike without training wheels, my gram would push me and then let go of me when I felt I could ride on my own.  Well, one time I was riding along and I did not feel ready for my gram to let me go when she thought I was ready to ride on my own, so she let go.  Right when she let go I feel over on my bike and bruised myself pretty badly.  In this case, I not only had physical scars on my body, but it took me awhile to trust my grandmother again.

One of the most fascinating aspects about Christianity is knowing that Christ died for us.  Christ took the scars of our offenses and our sins.  These not only scared him physically on the cross, but before he went to the cross he sweat blood for fear of taking on the world’s sin!  What an amazing God that we have that took the scars of our lives to save us.

 

It’s hard to think about this saving grace that Christ offers us because we tend to feel so beaten up.  We feel lonely and as if we are fighting the world on our own.  We are left with scabs and scars from broken relationships, loved ones that have died, as well as financial difficulties and so many other things.  Yet, after all of this we turn to things that continue to add scars to Christ by continuing to sin.  For when we sin we add a nail to the cross.  We leave a mark on the God who saved us from sin.

Our pain here on earth is nothing compared to the pain of the cross.  If we continue to look to other things for the sake of pleasing ourselves, or making us feel better, then we mistake the grace offered to us and leave a scar on our relationship with Christ.  Yet, if we turn to the God who offers us grace, broken wounds can be healed and relationships restored.  For the cross makes a relationship with God possible.  Take time out of your busy day to ask God to heal the scabs on your life and to heal your relationship with the God who loves you and died for you.