To those broken by the demands of legalism
He sang a song of grace and mercy
To those who wanted war
His songs proclaimed the peace of God
To those for whom any God was good enough
He shaped a subversive song around the bold declaration
I am the way, the truth and the life
No man cometh to the father but by me
To those who wanted to flee the unclean and broken and lost
He sang of parties and banquets and sinners and publicans
Good Samaritans and Faith Filled Centurions
Of people who didn’t need a doctor
And of people who were desperate for healing
And to the hypocrites who spoke of God and sacrifice
But neglected justice and stole the inheritance of the poor
He sang a song of rage against their machine
And their worthless worship and their perversion of the name of God
A house of prayer that had become a den of thieves
While they stood by, like silent dogs who do not bark
Or shepherds who flee when the enemy steals in
So you – the joy bringers – will find joy
As you sing the songs of the rebel Jesus
As your tongues, instructed by the word of God
Enable the words of your lips to nourish many
Mercy melodies about the love song from heaven that is Jesus
Bringing forgiveness and joy
To hearts that turn from the destruction of sin
Feasting, joy and song as the prodigals return
The lost sheep are found
And heaven rejoices with song as the Father and the angels
Sing the triumph songs of Jesus
Peace songs that call for the presence of God
Breaking the cycle of death and bitterness and revenge
Songs that call us into community, love for our enemies
Songs at the table as we taste and see
Who the banquet at the end of the ages will include
Beggars from the gate, thieves from the cross
Prostitutes and seducers, leaders from the nations
Because there is a wideness in Gods mercy
Seated with the least, the last, the limping and the lost
Given the place of honour
The joy of seeing lions, lying with lambs
Swords beaten into ploughshares
So let the Joy of the Lord be your strength
Join in the joy in Salvation that shakes the foundations of heaven
Let Joy into your bones
Persevere because of the Joy set before you
Keep your eyes on the one who,
Full of Joy, saw the disciples bringing heaven to earth
Know that you are empowered by the Holy Spirit
So that righteousness, peace and joy might follow you
Wherever you sing the songs of the rebel Jesus
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