"God's Rope"

If God made up a lariat rope,

I think He’d braid three strands,

He’d weave the three together,

And use His own two hands.

The first strand sure it has to be,

God starts it all with hope,

‘Cause when it comes down to it,

Without it there’s no rope.

Hope that what God says is true,

Hope that things might change,

Hope’s not sure, but maybe,

There can be some exchange,

Of discouragement and hopelessness,

For a brand new attitude,

Don’t rain on anybody’s hope,

Or put down their mood.

‘Cause hope leads to the second strand,

And faith is what it’s called,

Hope that’s gotten certain,

And is no longer stalled.

Faith believe that God rewards,

Those who seek His face,

Faith is sure of the unseen,

And nothing takes it place.

Faith just like a mustard seed,

Makes sure that rope won’t break,

‘Cause it can move a mountain,

And is something you can’t fake.

The final strand for God’s own rope,

Is one You probably know,

It’s in the middle woven in,

And steadies every throw.

So what’s the middle of God’s twine,

That gives it bounce and life,

It is the love of God Himself,

And drives out fear and strife.

The love that has no measure,

It’s dimensions are so great,

And when the three are braided there,

There is no need to wait.

God’s rope of faith and hope and love,

He sends to bring us in,

The greatest is the love for all,

No matter where we’ve been.

Faith and hope and love, these three,

The virtues will remain,

But the greatest of the three you see,

Is love, our highest gain.

“But now faith, hope, love abide these three, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NAS)

Often called the love chapter, First Corinthians chapter thirteen is one of the most quoted passages in scripture. But it is set in the context of how the body of Christ is supposed to benefit from the biblical operation of spiritual gifts. The point Paul makes is that when gifts are operating in the power of the Holy Spirit, faith, hope and love will always guide the day. And the true mark of spiritual maturity is love. Read it again with that in mind and I think you’ll see it’s true. No longer thinking or acting as a child, but with maturity.

Lord, help us grow in faith, hope and love, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Kirstie Lambert, used by permission. Thanks, Kirstie, and God bless you.