Pure Glory

by Hazel Straub

When one is hurt by others, it is easy to isolate oneself so one will no longer be vulnerable to further offense or injury.  In isolation, one is well defended from hurt by others.  It is resolved that no one will ever be able to batter, bruise, damage, distress, or disturb again because one has gone to a well-defended place to say, “Never again!”

A clarion call from God is being sounded, “No more isolation, separation between others or groups but instead celebration.  No more suspicion of others and their motives. The season for isolating oneself from others, so you will not get hurt, has ended!.”

In this new season, there will be no placating or pleading with God.  It is time for celebrating the victory, over the adversary of our souls, separation from others is finished.  Jesus is saying, “Celebrate my victory with me.  It is time to shake off your ashes of mourning and put on a celebration bash. By my stripes, you are healed. I have given you the oil of joy, for the spirit of heaviness. Invite not only your friends but your enemies to celebrate community with you. Your enemies will become your friends and will come into brotherly covenant with you. With community, unity, and relationship, nothing will be too hard to do. Celebrate my goodness to you!”