by Jelena Allsworth, of River Church, Wilsden

SHAKE it off!

You must be thinking about the lyrics of a very famous song right now and, if you're really with it, possibly even doing the moves!

But these are actually the words of Jesus, uttered 2,000 years ago in not just one but in three of the gospels in the Bible.

“Shake the dust off” were the words of Jesus to his disciples every time they encountered disappointment and rejection. This instruction was meant to be the antidote to giving up, quitting and never going after your dreams.

Shake it off today! Shake the dust off!

What does the dust represent in your life?

It's not just small particles of the earth, or what God formed the man out of, but it's also known in the Bible as the symbol of deep humiliation, lamentation and low condition.

Jesus raises the poor out of the dust and sits them with princes. He changes our lowly condition for an exalted one.

So next time things start to get on top of you, when hopelessness and despair try to set in, remember the words of Jesus: Shake it off! – it doesn't belong to you!