“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
The bullet grazed across my friend’s cheek upward toward his forehead. The physician in the emergency room told him that he was lucky to be alive. My friend just shrugged his shoulders and exited the sliding door. I could see revenge in the depth of his eyes, framed by the purplish-red slice that would soon become a scar for life.
I wish that was the only scar my friend brandished. However, pockmarks from the methamphetamines mix with the freckles on his face. Tracks the size of pinpricks run up and down his inner arm from heroin needles. Hepatitis wastes his liver. And those are only the physical marrings. The scars of drug abuse penetrate his heart and mind.
The fire of hatred and revenge sears my friend’s soul. The years of drug abuse twists his thoughts. His personality is lost in the torment of heroin highs and downer lows. Peace of mind eludes him as the potent drugs delude his senses.
Thankfully, no one - not even my addict friend - is beyond redemption and healing. Jesus loved the scarred people of society. He hung on the cross for every drug addict. He died for those filled with hate. He rose from the grave, so that every drug dealer could experience the full extent of God’s love through His nail-scarred hands.
Lord Jesus, Help my friend to discover and believe that You were pierced for his transgressions. Grant him the understanding that You were crushed for his iniquities. I ask that my friend accept You as Savior and be healed by Your wounds. Touch my friend with Your nail-scarred hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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