Galatians 6:17 (NKJV)

‘From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.’

Am not sure what this means except that Paul had gotten to the point that he could fully identify with Christ. Could the marks refer to the suffering of Christ? Could the marks refer to the evidence of the pains he went through for Christ? Would it refer to the denials and rejections he had to face for the sake of Christ? Or was it the cross he had to bear each day, denouncing the old life daily that the new life of Christ may surface and thrive?

Whatever it was, one thing is certain: he was totally identified with Christ and he had the evidence to prove it. The evidence of Christ must be so manifest that it doesn’t take any special investigation to discover that I am totally with Christ. The marks of Christ must be a mark that can be seen in the body, not just in the spirit. For those who bear this mark, we openly declare that we belong to Christ and this mark settles permanently the issue of allegiance. Paul’s testimony was clear: ‘don’t question my devotion to Jesus; I have proved it; I have the marks to show for it’. But what is my testimony? Do I bear the marks? Are the marks evident?

‘Lord, I know I am yours because you have purchased me. But how have I proved my love for you? Do I have the marks of identification? O Lord, let the marks of Christ be visible on me. Let it be seen. And no matter the personal price, take me through the path of Christ, that I may receive his marks in my body. And give me special grace for that journey. Amen.’