What Jesus would write to me...

This week we are studying The Book of Revelation. One of our assignments is to take a look at Jesus' addresses to the 7 churches whom the book is written to. The assignment is to examine what Jesus says about himself and then see the characteristics of the church that Jesus addresses. The addresses to the churches follow a distinct structure and for a good reason... the the churches would see who Jesus is, how he pleased with them, what they are doing that breaks his heart and he cannot put up with, then how he calls them to listen and heed his promises of life. This is what I think he would write to me.

To Jeremy, my beloved son. The words of him who restores completely all of the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe according to his will, who has come and brought true and lasting life into the world for all who desperately desire it.

I see your heart and I see your works, how you have so often longed to be pleasing to me, to honor me for what I have done. I see your shame and your striving also, your fear that I do not truly care for you, your doubt of my provision. You speak of embracing my love and my grace yet you do not allow yourself to truly accept it… refusing to let yourself believe it is sufficient. I have captured your heart and what burns inside is indeed the genuine article. Do not dare to give up on me for I am the one who has captured your heart and I alone have what you desire. You know you have no one else to turn to and for that I so deeply delight in you. I love when you unashamedly wrestle with me… do not revile the times you come to me on your knees… for those are the times I cherish you most. Swallow your pride and come to me, I am life for you, if you dare seek it anywhere else you there will be nothing for you. Continue my son, for that is who you are. I am your father, I am he who knows your heart and what you are truly seeking. I have not abandoned you, I have not turned a deaf ear to your desires… trust me, for I am the living water you seek. In a short while you will be home with me, in a short while this mess you despise will all be gone. Continue then to hold fast, to love fearlessly and recklessly… further up and further in is your destiny. Do not cease to ask for the breaking of your heart… I will never cease restoring you… it is in your weakness and genuine humility that you are strong, for I am the only strength you have. Listen to my voice, you do hear it… never cease to listen to my word. I have you where I want you, whether things are clear are not you are indeed a man, the son I have created you to be. Hear me my son, with you I am well pleased, continue to have righteous disdain for that which I despise... continue to patiently love that which I have shown you I cherish. Fear nothing… bow to me but to all others hold your head and heart up high.