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Duct tape was invented in 1899. Originally called “duck tape” because it was made of cotton duck cloth, a derivative of linen cloth, and coated with an adhesive, duct tape is used in many ways today because it’s strong, it’s durable, and it’s waterproof.

I’ve used duct tape to repair the binding on book covers, temporarily seal a puncture in a bicycle tire, stop water leaking from a pipe under a kitchen sink, shield wiring on an electrical cable, and prevent a cracked glass window from shattering. Duct tape holds things together.

Colossians 1:16-17 say, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

All of creation finds its purpose in Jesus. Nothing exists independently of Jesus’ supremacy, authority, and power. He is the eternal Lord who holds everything together.

We need Jesus’ healing, sovereign, empowering grace and presence. On Saturday, September 30, our nation remembers the pain and tragedy of forgotten children and hurt survivors from the Residential Schools. We lament the brokenness, suffering, grief, and pain of this terrible part of our nation’s history. And we lament that churches were complicit in this pain.

Orange is the colour that symbolizes Saturday’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. In my hand I have a reel of orange duct tape. But the duct tape reminds me that only Jesus can heal and hold us together. Only Jesus is the adhesive that brings true reconciliation and hope.

This Saturday, consider wearing something orange. But also, ask yourself how you can be a symbol of Christ’s reconciliation and hope where you are. Maybe there’s a relationship that needs you to be the peacemaker in Jesus’ name. Maybe there’s a situation at work where you can speak words of truth and grace in Jesus’ name. Maybe there’s a friend who needs to know you are praying for them in Jesus’ name. Maybe there’s an opportunity the Lord will give you to offer welcome, hospitality, encouragement, comfort, and love in Jesus’ name. We can be like duct tape, in the name of Jesus.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:18, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

視頻大意翻譯(video Chinese translation):

大家早。

布膠帶發明於1899年。最初被稱為「鴨膠帶」，因為它是由棉鴨布製成的，一種亞麻布的衍生物，再塗上粘合劑，今天這種膠帶被使用在許多不同的地方：它堅固，耐用，並防水。

我使用這布膠帶來修補書封面上殘破的裝訂，暫時地封住自行車輪胎上穿刺的破洞，阻止了廚房水槽下水管漏水，包住電纜上的電線，黏住破碎的玻璃窗以防止碎裂一地。布膠帶將東西抓在一起。

歌羅西書1:16-17 說” 因為萬有都是靠他造的、無論是天上的、地上的、能看見的、不能看見的、或是有位的、主治的、執政的、掌權的、一概都是藉着他造的、又是為他造的．他在萬有之先．萬有也靠他而立。”

所有的受造物都在耶穌身上找到它自己的目的。任何事物的存在都離不開耶穌至高無上、權威和能力。他是永恆的主，將萬物凝聚在一起。

我們需要耶穌的醫治、主權、有能力的恩典和同在。9月30日星期六，我們國家緬懷寄宿學校中被遺忘的孩子和倖存者的痛苦和悲劇。我們哀嘆我們國家歷史上破碎、苦難、悲傷和痛苦這一可怕的部分。我們哀歎教會是這痛苦的幫兇。

橙色是星期六國家真相與和解日的象徵顏色。我手裡拿著一捲橙色布膠帶。但膠帶提醒我，只有耶穌才能醫治我們，把我們團結在一起。只有耶穌是帶來真正和解和希望的粘合劑。

這個星期六，考慮穿上橙色的衣服。但是，也要問問自己，你如何才能成為基督和解和希望的象徵。也許有一個關係需要你奉耶穌的名成為和平使者。也許在你工作的地方，有一種情況，你可以奉耶穌的名說出真理和恩典的話。也許有一個朋友需要知道你奉耶穌的名為他們禱告。也許主會給你一個機會，奉耶穌的名來給予歡迎、款待、鼓勵、安慰和愛。奉耶穌的名，我們可以像布膠帶一樣。正如保羅在哥林多後書5：18中所寫，” 又將勸人與他和好的職分賜給我們。”

讓我們一起禱告。 

Grace and peace

Pastor Callum