THE TETHERING PLACE

Over the past few weeks, I have been making my way through the 2014 Hillsong Colour Conference. Some incredibly gifted and storied women spoke, giving life to God’s word, encouragement to thousands, and no doubt glory to Jesus.

Bobbie, a lovely Aussie with a big vision and a sweet accent, shared on Jude… I was so struck by her insight to the passage and particularly moved by the Message version of verses 17-25:

“But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen: ‘In the last days there will be people who don’t take these things seriously anymore. They’ll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts.’ These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There’s nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.”

Is that not beautiful? The call to build up, to love well, to speak truth, to not be diluted or dismayed.

And what was so striking is that the short and urgent epistle begins with this:

“I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!”

Instead of interpreting “Love is on the way” as if to say, “Hold on! The rescuers are on the way! The aid cars are coming!” She instead shared of this life being a long road, and up ahead Jesus is beckoning, leading, whispering “Come! Follow me…”  He says to keep walking, to persevere and endure and keep walking.  Love is ON THE WAY. He is THE WAY. If we are just to keep walking, we will find the wisdom, comfort, love, care, calm, patience, kindness, joy, empathy that we seek…On the way, we will find all that we need. We steer where we stare. If we would just secure our eyes on Jesus and keep walking, we will find all the love we need on the way.

So get up today. Keep walking. Where you have gotten tired or injured, or tangled up in life. Confess to a friend; confess to Jesus. Start healing. Get up and walk. Help others to their feet and keep walking.

Relax, everything’s going to be all right.

Rest, everything’s coming together.

Open your hearts, love is on the way!

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