Jesus Key

I did a double take when I saw the sign pictured below.

I was shopping in Dunelm and there, in the middle of the shop, was a sign that read ‘Jesus’.

I was quite excited! 

Then I realised what it actually said.

Keys (!).

The Jesus/Key sign brought to mind Revelation:

This is the message from the one who is holy and true,

the one who has the key of David.

What he opens, no one can close;

and what he closes, no one can open

Revelation 3:7

I googled the definition of ‘key’ - KEY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

Here are a few definitions from the link, you may like to consider more.

Key: ‘a set of musical notes based on one particular note’

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our writing were played/written in ‘Jesus Key’?

A set of words based on Jesus.

Key: ‘a list of the symbols used in a map or book with explanations of what they mean’

Those of us who write devotionally seek to illuminate the Bible. Writing in Jesus Key means seeing Him in verses and keeping Him in their exposition.

Key: ‘a list of the answers to the questions in an exercise or test’

Writing in Jesus Key means remembering that, we may not have all the answers, but He does. I have struggled to make a piece come together, eventually remembering to ask Jesus for help; and He steps in.

Key: ‘very important and having a lot of influence on other people or things’

Writing in Jesus Key comes with responsibility. We are called to write about the most important Person(s) ever, and to remember that our words may have influence on others. Writing in Jesus Key will build others up (1 Thess 5:11).

 

Key: ‘to intentionally damage a car by scratching its paint using a key’

I nearly didn't include this one! But I recall times I’ve been going over a manuscript, come across a section that I am very attached too, and felt a nudge from God to take that bit out. To say I immediately and gleefully pressed the delete button would not be true. I wrestled, and did – eventually – consign that section to the trash. The book was better for it.

Next time that happens, and I’m sure it will, I will try to remember that I am intentionally ‘damaging’ my manuscript using Jesus Key. And that the book/blog/article will be better for it...

I think, perhaps especially as Advent approaches, we could use the Jesus/Key sign to think about what - or Who - we hook* our writing on:

Jesus. Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Is. 9).

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Hebrews 12:2

*I missed the hooks when I first saw the Jesus sign...