May 20 | 2 Corinthian 5:11-21
- Kim Starr
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Reconciliation
By Kim Starr
Picture in your mind the most unlikely person you can think of who would be a compelling case for Christ. For me, it is American rapper, singer, and songwriter Jelly Roll. When I first saw Jelly Roll on TV, I was completely repulsed. He was this very large, unkempt person with tattoos everywhere, including his face. I immediately dismissed him solely on his appearance, but then I started seeing him everywhere and I got intrigued. Why? Because he was preaching a message of reconciliation and salvation to whoever would listen.
Jelly Roll has had a difficult life. His father was nefarious and his mother suffered from mental illness and addiction. He went to church and was baptized at 14, but at that same age, he started a 10-year cycle of being in and out of jail, included being convicted of felonies.
In 2023, Jelly Roll found his way back to church because his daughter expressed an interest in being baptized. He was concerned about what his daughter was getting into so he went to church with his daughter and was reminded of the genuineness, compassion, humanity, forgiveness, and love that is found in church. In a conversation with Brandon Lake, an American Christian worship singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Jelly Roll said, "I might wear it a little different than other people, I might say things that other Christians don't think are right to say, but ultimately, I have a heart for God and I have a heart for Jesus.”
Brandon Lake co-wrote the song "Hard Fought Hallelujah." He wanted to collaborate with Jelly Roll on it because his story resonated with the song’s messages of hard-fought faith and perseverance. Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll sang the song together for the first time at the Grand ‘Ole Opry and have subsequently performed it on The Voice, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and at the Stagecoach Festival. The song has reached broad audiences who may have never heard about Jesus. Jelly Roll commented that he loves the conversation the song is creating as millions of people like himself are finding a safe place in God.
Through this song, Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll have a platform to share with the world what Christ means to them. God, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, reconciled the world to himself. So, if God can repair His relationship with us by sacrificing his son, shouldn’t we be able to make our relationship with God good by living for Christ? Jelly Roll has said that, in his past, he was part of the problem. Now that he has reconciled himself to God, he wants to be part of the solution and help others.
Think back to the person who came to your mind when you began reading this devotion. Was it yourself? If not, could it have been? God sent Jesus to die for each of us so that, in him, we can become the righteousness of God. Let’s show others the hope we have in Jesus. How we look doesn’t matter. Our message of salvation does.
PRAYER
Jesus, while you were here on earth you used unlikely people over and over to demonstrate your love for us and teach us. You continue to use unlikely people today. Please use us and give us opportunities to share what you did for all of us with others. Let us have the confidence to share about you like Jelly Roll has. Thank you for giving him Brandon Lake, and us the opportunity to share what you did to reconcile the world to yourself. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KIM STARR
I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.