Simply Soul Searching

THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES

This Mount where Jesus preached his radical and revolutionary sermon, including the Beatitudes, is traditionally considered to be a mountain near Capernaum, up from the Sea of Galilee. Today it is our Place of the Heart, as Jesus’ message of love overturns our cultural, personal and usual ways of understanding what it means to be blessed and to be a blessing.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Matthew 5:5-11, 43-45, 48 (NRSV)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

What a gift of love these words of Jesus must have been for the people of his time! The people who were lowly, poor, or oppressed were encouraged and blessed. The people who held power and riches were admonished and taught. His words are a counter-cultural gift of love even for us today. In his words, he offers hope for the hopeless, comfort for the grieving, purpose for the persecuted, and encouragement for the faithful.

In this Place of the Heart, Jesus stretches us to extreme love: to think beyond the norm, to live beyond our culture, to trust beyond our comfort, and to obey beyond our feelings.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for showing us a better way to live and serve and love. Keep perfecting us, always. Amen.

CAPERNAUM

Capernaum is a fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. Today it is our Place of the Heart because Jesus healed many people there, showing his loving compassion, help and care for others.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Mark 1:21, 29-34, 2:1-5, 11-12 (NRSV)

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught… As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven…”

“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

In just these few excerpts from Mark, Chapters 1 and 2, we begin to see how often Jesus helped and healed others. Jesus loves us and longs to heal all of us, too. In this healing Place of the Heart we see how much Jesus cares and is willing to take the time to help. We only need to place ourselves in his presence or lift others to him in prayer.

Jesus’ desire to heal us is a difficult one to understand, isn’t it? Why do some people suffer or die, regardless of their faith or number of prayers? I don’t have the answers. What I do know is that Jesus longs to bless us; that Jesus always desires our good. What I do know is that in all circumstances Jesus heals our souls, and that type of healing is our most essential blessing.

The reality for all of us is that our bodies will become dust one day. Our souls are the only parts of us that are eternal. So even if our bodies or minds are no longer whole or healed, our spirits can continue to soar. Regardless of our physical infirmities or even death, our souls will be made perfect, beautiful and sound. Our healing may not be in the way we expect, but through the goodness of God, our healing will be more than we can even imagine.

Prayer: Healing and helping Jesus, you want us to joyfully and freely live as your followers, with souls that are healed and whole, sharing your love with the world. We come to you today in gratitude, and we place ourselves into your tender care. Amen.

THE SEA OF GALILEE

The Sea of Galilee is actually a freshwater lake near Capernaum. The Jordan River connects the Sea of Galilee (northern end) to the Dead Sea (southern end). Jesus performed many miracles here, but for today this is our Place of the Heart because this is where Jesus called his first disciples and also where he walked on the water.

Light the Prophecy and Bethlehem Candles.

Matthew 4:18-22 (NRSV)

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Matthew 14:25-33 (NRSV)

And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Sea of Galilee is a Place of the Heart where we are given vivid examples of how Jesus calls us to a loving relationship built on deep trust and reliance. Peter, Andrew, James and John somehow sensed that they could not refuse this man Jesus, who was calling them to follow. Somehow they knew that they could entrust their future to the One who told them to leave everything behind. Impetuous Peter even trusted Jesus enough to begin his walk on the water (at least initially)!

Jesus was, and is, our reliable, trustworthy, unfailing Guide. We can count on Christ- always. As we keep growing in our reliance and trust in him, as we keep learning to lean on him for help and guidance, our love for him grows as well.

Prayer: Jesus, you have called us, too. Call us to new adventures and even risk-taking steps, and help us to answer in faithful obedience and trust, as we grow in love for you. Amen.

LOVE: THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE

Light the first candle, the Prophecy Candle.

 Luke 2:1-7 (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Today we begin our week of Love- Places of the Heart with the lighting of the Bethlehem Candle. As we recall, Bethlehem was first named in Micah (5:2-4) as the future birthplace of a shepherd and leader for Israel. We are familiar with the nativity story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the census and Mary then giving birth to Jesus there.

Several biblical resources question whether Jesus was actually born in Bethlehem of Judea, since it was so far from Nazareth (there was another city of Bethlehem in Galilee, which would have been more feasible). Bethlehem may have been used by the gospel writers because of Micah’s prophecy, because Bethlehem is known as the City of David, and also because Bethlehem means “House of Bread.”

Wherever Jesus was born, I love the symbolism of his story, of his very humble and meager birth- in an unexpected place- among lowly people- in difficult circumstances. Bethlehem symbolizes the true humility and generous love of God, coming to us in modest ways. Whether or not Jesus was born in Bethlehem is not important. What is important is that he was born as a human baby, as a gift of God’s LOVE, and our lives are forever blessed.

We will be looking at other Places of the Heart in Jesus’ life this week. Our own places of the heart have become so, not because of their physical structures or locations, but because of what we have experienced in those places. Our places of the heart are formed from the moments, relationships, inspiration and joy that have taken place; the feelings we associate with certain spaces in our lives. Our places of the heart are all of the places where love has come.

Light the second candle, the Bethlehem Candle.

Today we especially think of Bethlehem as a meaningful Place of the Heart where God’s Love came to live with us.  Because of Jesus, we know that Love is everywhere. Wherever we are, we can build an altar of love. For we know that the presence of God is there with us, given to us in Jesus as a human being, a baby born in love for us all.

PLACES OF THE HEART

Your presence pervades and permeates all times and places.

Today I invite your presence to saturate my heart.

Fill my soul with love, enter into all my spaces

That I may know and share your graces

And never be apart.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for Bethlehem and all of the places where we sense your loving presence with us. Help us to feel your love and to share your love- everywhere. Amen.

WEEK ONE- HOPE: PERSONAL REFLECTION

Light the Prophecy Candle.

This week we considered a few of the prophets who foretold of the coming of a Messiah in their Promises of Hope. These prophets were called to first name the disobedience and brokenness of the people from God. Some were even called to warn of the impending hardships that would result from their brokenness. Finally, all the prophets were called to proclaim the hope for a brighter future, assured through the promises of God. The prophets considered themselves only the messengers of God’s words, never seeking their own purposes and often risking their lives to speak God’s words of truth.

One only has to read a bit of the world news to know that prophets of hope are needed today. If you were to be a prophet…

~ What would you first address as the main brokenness of your community and/or our world?

~ What would you name as the most hopeful possibility for our future? Where do you see glimpses of light and change and hope?

~ Oftentimes appearances are not realities. We may need to use wisdom and discernment before casting judgment on a person or a situation. Can you think of a time when you misjudged a situation or a person based on appearances alone?

~ Given the opportunity to speak as a prophet, what steps might you take to ensure that you are speaking God’s message and not your own intention?

Now imagine you are acting as a prophet to yourself…

~ Is there any brokenness or disobedience that you would like to change? Where might this brokenness lead if it should continue?

~ Where do you find your hope? What would be your first step toward a brighter future?

~ Are there any new gifts you are discovering within you that you would like to begin using?

~ What words of challenge would you give yourself?

Spend some time in quiet and grateful reflection.

YOU AND I: PROPHETS

All of the prophets were courageous, dramatic and vocal, delivering bold messages of criticism, correction, and concern. Several of the prophets were also quite theatrical. John the Baptist wore camel’s hair. Jeremiah wore a wooden yoke for a while. Hosea used the image of a prophet married to a prostitute to compare Israel’s relationship to God. The prophets were all different and yet one-of-a-kind.

We are called to share the truths of God’s merciful love for everyone, the joy of living as a servant of Christ, the peace of being beloved and never alone, the hope that comes from knowing we are already part of eternity. How would we compare to these remarkable, courageous people? How might we serve as faithful prophets? What would be our unique characteristic or quality that would motivate people to pay attention?

Light the Prophecy Candle.

Ephesians 4: 11-16, 25 (NRSV)

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. 

What do you and I have that these prophets didn’t have? We actually have what they could only promise- the reality of our Savior, our Messiah, Jesus Christ, who lives within and among us now! We have the reality of the promise. We have the awareness and the very presence of God’s unconditional, merciful, gracious love. We have everything we need to share the truth, the Good News about Jesus Christ.

We have Jesus himself.

Prayer: God, in this Advent time, we want to become fully open to receive Jesus, to be fully aware of his presence, and to fully share your love with everyone. Open our hearts, open our eyes, and open our spirits, so that we may fully do your will. Amen.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

I have always found John the Baptist so intriguing- with his camel hair clothing and his diet of locusts and wild honey! He seems like quite the character. John lived at the same time as Jesus, and his driving purpose was in calling people to repent- because “the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:12). I learned an interesting insight about John as a prophet at the Bible Study Tools website:

Although his formative years were lived in obscurity in the desert, his public ministry ended nearly four hundred years of prophetic silence. John was that voice crying in the wilderness preparing the way for the coming Messiah. In this sense his message and ministry marked the culmination of the law and the prophets, but heralded the in-breaking of the kingdom of God. So John was truly a transitional figure, forming the link between the Old and New Testaments. He spans the ages with one foot firmly planted in the Old Testament and the other squarely placed in the New.¹

Light the Prophecy Candle.

Mark 1:4-8 (NRSV)

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

As we think of the Promises of Hope declared by the prophets, today we are reminded that even though we are not worthy, John freely admits that he is not worthy, either. He could even come across as wild, abrasive and demanding; yet Jesus has great things to say about John. Jesus tells the people that John is great, even more than a prophet. Then Jesus goes on to say that the “least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (see Matthew 11:9-11). Our hope is in knowing we are all beloved; we are all equally dear and capable children of God, called to be God’s messengers, from the least to the greatest.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your humble and dedicated messengers such as John, Isaiah, Micah and Jeremiah. Thank you for claiming us as your beloved children who are capable of doing great things with your help. Give us the passion and perseverance of the prophets, to readily share your love- your message of hope. Amen.

¹(https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/john-the-baptist/)

JEREMIAH

Jeremiah began prophesying at a young age and continued for over forty years. Several resources call Jeremiah the “weeping prophet” because of his dramatic and emotional pleas, along with his deep compassion for his people. Jeremiah’s prophecy of the coming of Jesus as God’s new covenant is especially significant. At www.insight.org, Chuck Swindoll tells us that:

Significantly, the book of Jeremiah also provides us the clearest glimpse of the new covenant God intended to make with His people once Christ came to earth. This new covenant would be the means of restoration for God’s people, as He would put His law within them, writing it on hearts of flesh rather than on tablets of stone. Rather than fostering our relationship with God through a fixed location like a temple, He promised through Jeremiah that His people would know Him directly, a knowledge that comes through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31–34).¹

Light the Prophecy Candle.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NRSV)

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

Jeremiah prophesies a new covenant- our reason for hope today. This Promise of Hope, this promised new covenant, became the person of Jesus. God came to us in Jesus; Jesus IS the new covenant. This new covenant is our assurance of God’s love and forgiveness, superseding anything we could ever do. Our brighter future is in the words, “for they shall ALL know me, from the least of them to the greatest, for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.” This incredible hope- God’s presence with us- is for everyone.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the promise of this new covenant, Jesus- your universal gift for all of us. Help us to receive him, to receive YOU anew- not only at Christmas, but every moment of our lives. Amen.

¹https://insight.org/resources/bible/the-major-prophets/jeremiah

MICAH

Although Micah came from a small country town (Moresheth), he bravely criticized leaders in the larger capital cities of Samaria and Jerusalem. Micah was critical of the way the people were not only disobeying God’s law, but also terribly mistreating- cheating and robbing- the poor and lowly, including women and children. He warned the people that their disobedience to God would lead to their doom, but again- as prophets will do- he also spoke of the hope to come. Micah’s prophecy of Jesus is found in his descriptions of a shepherd from Bethlehem who will take care of his sheep (Micah 5:2-5), and a day when all people will live in peace (Micah 4:1-5). Today as we reflect on the Promises of Hope found in the words of prophets, may we have the courage of Micah, bravely speaking important words of hope to those who need to hear them.

Light the Prophecy Candle.

Micah 6:6-8 (NRSV)

“With what shall I come before the Lord,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

I had to include this passage for our devotional time with Micah. Verse 8 is Jim’s favorite Bible verse, and it is a perfect guide for our faithful living. Our hope is found in the simplicity of what the Lord requires as our offering- “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with (our) God.” This difference is remarkable. We are no longer trying to appease a God on high with our sacrifices, we are walking humbly with God, who journeys with us. Oh, at times we may feel intimidated to work for justice or to always love kindness, but God will be the One to direct and guide us to do so, if we but walk together.

Prayer: Loving God, guide us to do your will- to humbly do justice and to love kindness. Thank you that we now have you to journey with us every step of the way, through Jesus, in whom we find our courage and our hope. Amen.

ISAIAH

There are so many wonderful verses in the book of Isaiah, and several are quoted in the New Testament as a way to confirm that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah. The book of Isaiah is rich with prophecy and poetry. The writers describe the coming of a Savior, but also foreshadow the suffering and sacrifice this Savior would endure. Today as we reflect on the prophetic Promises of Hope, we once again find our deep hope in Isaiah’s beautiful prophecy of the birth of our Savior Jesus. We do so with grateful humility, as we also are reminded of that painful reality- the sacrifice Jesus would endure to give us this hope (see Isaiah 53).

Light the Prophecy Candle.

Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NRSV)

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined…
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I have four Christmas ornaments with these descriptive names for Jesus: Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. (Every time I hang them on our tree, I begin singing Handel’s Messiah. 😊) These names are another source of our hope. Our Wonderful Counselor is present with us today, guiding us and helping us along each step of our journey. Our Counselor is listening and supporting, encouraging and insightful. Our Mighty God gives us strength and power for the challenges we face, providing the necessary wisdom, foresight, and even respite for our trials. Our Everlasting Father loves us unconditionally- and always. Our Prince of Peace is the One who knows us fully and best provides that peace beyond our understanding. We are given serenity, perspective, and calmness for our daily living.

Prayer: Thank you for the hope that is found in having you, Jesus, as our Wonderful Counselor… Mighty God… Everlasting Father… and Prince of Peace. Thank you for all you endured to make this so. Amen.