Read Galatians 6:11–18
Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the
marks of Jesus.
Galatians 6:17
In Paul’s day, it was not unusual for the follower of some heathen
god or goddess to be branded with the mark of that idol. He was
proud of his god and wanted others to know it. In the same way, Paul
was “branded” for Jesus Christ. It was not a temporary mark but a
permanent mark that he would take to his grave. Nor did he receive
his brands in an easy way: He had to suffer repeatedly to become a
marked man for Christ. It was also the practice in that day to brand
slaves so that everyone would know who the owner was. Paul was the
slave of Jesus Christ, and he wore the Lord’s mark to prove it.
It is worth noting that sin brands a person. It may mark his mind,
his personality, even his body. Few people are proud of the sin marks
they bear, and conversion does not change them. (Thank God, those
changes will come when Jesus returns!) How much better it is to love
Christ and live for Him and be “branded” for His glory.
Something to Ponder
In what ways are you “branded” for Jesus?