Finding Yourself in the Scriptures

The Gospels are among the most familiar texts of the Bible and the easiest to over-read. We have a tendency when the readings are comfortable to breeze through them and not to read as intentionally as we do when we encounter less familiar Scripture. Did you notice the similarities and the differences among the stories and sermons of Jesus? Just how many people did he feed with loaves and fish; was it 4,000 or 5,000? Or was it more like 10,000 if you consider the women and children present? And did Jesus deliver his sermon on the plain or the mount, or both?

I find that if I stop and read intentionally, a familiar text can challenge me in new and deeper ways. How is it that the same story I heard as a child, then as a young adult, is just as relevant in my life today as it was in years prior. What is it about a simple story of two brothers that has the ability to inspire, convict, challenge, and encourage me all at the same time? How is that one time in my life I identified with the younger brother coming home to the undeserved love of a father; and now, far too often, find myself in the role of the older brother who is keeping score and ungrateful for blessings and a love that knows no limits?

How and where are you finding yourself in the Scriptures? Are you sitting at the feet of Jesus listening or are you rushing around trying to get everything done? Are you hanging on for dear life in the midst of the storm? Or has God challenged you to step out into the storm and trust that as long as you keep your eyes on Him all will be well? Or, are you meeting with Jesus at night like Nicodemus striving to understand just how God can bring new life from within you?

Just as the men walking the road to Emmaus encountered the risen Lord, may each of us find ourselves in the company of the One who loves us best so we never have to journey through this life alone. - Rev. Kathy Lamon, Pastor of Congregational Care, Older Adults and Outreach