Binding and Loosing

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

Loving God, you know the seasons of life

we were swaddled and cradle boarded

kept tightly bound in love and safety

so we could know the security of home.

In school as children we were lined up

kept in rows and in perfect order

only yo run wildly onto the playground

releasing the overwhelming joy within.

As adults we bind ourselves to another

planting families and gardens together

you remind us that we have the keys

to bind and loose those around us.

Lord Jesus, help us to set free prisoners

to bind up the wounded and hold the sick

let the keys we have be for opening doors

and never locking your love out. Amen.