You remember me before I learned to run
At the kissing tree before I learned my guns
We were seventeen, seventeen years young
I am still running, I am still running

I had no idea the pain would be this strong
I had no idea the fight would last this long
In my darkest fears rights become the wrongs
I am still running, I am still running
I am still running, I am still running

Build me a home inside your scars
Build me a home inside your song
Build me a home inside your open arms
The only place I ever will belong

I am still running, I am still running
I am still running, I am still running

Build me a home inside your scars
Build me a home inside your song
Build me a home inside your open arms
The only place I ever will belong
The only place I ever will belong
Inside your open arms
The only place I ever will belong

This part of the song always reminds me of Jesus. And afer hearing the sermon about his experience in his hometown of Nazareth, where his probable longing for home was not only unsatisfying, but likely quite devastating to him, I am so grateful for his offer of home (belonging) to us nonetheless. He never experienced this lasting sense of security and peace amongst a group of people on earth who intimitely knew and "got" him... what we could each call our christian "community". The Underground is rich in these small groups of committed individuals who truly know each other and have undoubtedly forged relationships through times of great trial and joy. The disciples should have been those people for Jesus, but they were clueless and in the end would desert their Master. It is not just a shame, but a tragedy that Jesus went through his ministry constantly pouring himself out on behalf of the poor, lost and needy devoid of support by anyone. Of course he was still intimitely connected to the Father and Spirit, but there is also something powerful and life-giving about a community that is there for you to listen and if nothing else to say, "I understand". His disciples could not even stay up one hour, the time of his most distress, to pray for him llike he asked. Even I have a handful of people I know who would do that if I requested it. But our Savior did not have this. How is that possible? How does that not break our heart?

Humanity failed God. Humans have an incredible capacity to disappoint him over and over again. But that doesn't hinder him from extending love to us anyway. Jesus didn't need human community, but it would have been such an encouragement to him, don't you think? One way that he shows us his great love for us is by giving us the chance to say, "Build me a home inside your scars," as he died on the cross for us and has the scars to prove it. "Build me a home inside your song," the artful lyrics that were his sermons and the song of worship that was his perfect life. "Build me a home inside your open arms," the place where we all as estranged sons and daughters longed to be... and where we as adopted children can now rest in the wonderful embrace of our Father. We owe it all to the Lamb, who willingly sacrificed more than we can imagine, and whose Kingdom, which even now is being built, is "the only place I (we) ever will belong."