Leather is made from raw or tanned hide. Leather is so versatile.
We make shoes, belts, hats, vests, coats, pants, and tools.
Leather is used to sharpen knives.
It is used in armour, helmets, gloves. We use it as bikers.
In Jesus day leather was used frequently for whips.
A
Bull whip, for instance moves so fast, the cracking sound is the sound barrier
breaking.
Leather is worn by bikers
because the material is tough and it offers protection. Leather is much tougher
than human skin. When it is cut in large portions leather is protection from
cuts and abrasions. Cut in small strips leather can cut. We see boxers hit with
leather gloves, we see horses hit with riding crops…
Yes, a bull whip is made of
leather. Like many things leather expresses the values, the attitude and the
behaviour of the person who carries it. It was leather that protected Jesus’
feet, it was leather than cut his skin and made him bleed. It was leather that
he used to carry heavy beams as a carpenter. It was leather that placed the
weight of the cross on him as he carried it. In so many ways the lessons
learned through leather is a challenge in how I use my tools, my words, my
tongue, my tone. When I am expressing grace I am laying out the leather
of protection, of comfort, of safety. When I am not expressing grace I
am critical and my words cut much like a whip.
Jesus, your grace teaches us to receive challenge and acceptance. I am quick to see the challenge I am most vulnerable when I must receive the acceptance. Show me how to invite you to experience these moments of challenge and acceptance. We will do this together. Amen.
----Jeff Hosick
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