“He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands… Do not disbelieve, but believe’” John 20:27. “I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid …“ Isa.41:13. “No one will snatch them (you) out of my hand” John 10:28.
Dear Jesus, like a Chinook Helicopter emptying a full load of water on a raging fire in the Montana mountains. Like a giant transport plan parachuting down crates of much needed supplies to villages suffering drought and crop failure. So you sent our 99-year-old spiritual mom, Rose Marie Miller, to drop a gospel-bomb on me and Darlene at just the right time. “Good to let the ugly past rest in hands that have scars.”
Rose Marie is talking about your hands, Jesus. Hands that made the world out of nothing. Hands that sustained the atoms and molecules of the feeding trough where you were laid the night of your birth. Hands that calmed storms and embraced children. Hands that washed feet before they were bound to the cross. Hands that are presently making all things new. Scarred hands that will serve us on our Wedding Day (Rev.19:7-10; Lk.12:37).
Jesus, we all have a portion of life we call “ugly past”—things done by and to us. We also have present struggles, heartaches, and “frayed edges.” And then there’s the future of our kids, the cosmos, and the Day of your return—each clearly not in our grip. So we gladly follow Rose Marie’s advice. We entrust ourselves, and everything else, to your scarred—ever so beautiful, merciful, and mighty hands. Jesus, thank you for loving, holding, keeping us. So Very Amen.
