Susan, Author at Profoundly Simple

3 Tips for Finding Threads to Connect Jesus Throughout Scripture

If the Bible weaves together, how do I find threads throughout Scripture? Follow clues from a few key places in the Bible to gain skills for finding connections to Jesus throughout the Old and New Testament.

Treasure hunting in the Bible?

I’m a huge fan of reading the Bible, not because I’m super spiritual, but because I love a good treasure hunt. Believe it or not, I’ve found several in the Bible the more familiar I become with what’s in it. Here is one example of a treasure hunt I stumbled upon while doing some Bible study homework. I’ll take you on the journey, then give you some tips and key places to keep in mind so you can find threads and make your own discoveries.

Starting in 1 Peter

While reading a passage in 1 Peter I came across a verse that made me think of Jesus. Peter was a disciple of Jesus who wrote two letters, 1 and 2 Peter, which are found in the New Testament.

The passage from 1 Peter is this one:

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” 1 Peter 3:18 NIV

The phrase in that verse that caught my attention was “suffered once for sins.”

Hebrews and the high priest

In Old Testament times the people through the priest offered sacrifices for sins. In my Bible reading I remembered that Hebrews in the New Testament talks about Jesus as high priest offering the sacrifice once and for all. I hopped over to Hebrews and skimmed until I found the section referencing the high priest.

“Unlike the other high priests, [Jesus] does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” Hebrews 7:27 NIV

Jesus sacrificed once for all

Jesus sacrificed once for all when he offered himself.

This reminded me of the Old Testament laws in Leviticus. Chapter 16 describes the day of atonement. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest.

Leviticus and the linens

In this passage from Leviticus chapter 16, God spoke to Moses, giving him instructions to tell his brother Aaron regarding how to approach the Most Holy Place. Aaron was the high priest who entered into the most sacred place to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people.

“He [Aaron] is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban.” Leviticus 16:4 NIV

“Then Aaron is to go into the tent of meeting and take off the linen garments he put on before he entered the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there.” Leviticus 16:23 NIV

The disciples and the empty tomb

When I read verse 23 it reminded me of Jesus or rather what the disciples found in the empty tomb:

“Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.” Luke 24:12 NIV

Did you see which disciple ran into the tomb and saw the linens left there?

Finding the thread

In the Leviticus passage, Aaron left the sacred linens behind. This was after he completed his priestly role for that particular day. Jesus completed the role once and for all and left the linens behind in the tomb.

For Jesus, once and for all had finished the work. Of atoning for sins.

Key passages

Rather than just telling you about these scripture correlations, I want to give you tools to find threads like these yourself. Keep Leviticus 16 and Hebrews 7 on speed dial. Knowing these two passages provides insight to deep connections throughout scripture. Remembering the resurrection story in Luke 24 draws us to the disciples who spent time with Jesus.

When we look for the treasure in scripture, we can spend time with Jesus too.

For a little more insight on Leviticus, look here:

How to survive the journey through Leviticus

Here’s a brief overview of the whole Bible.

For tips on locating Leviticus, Hebrews, or any other book of the Bible, look here:

5 Quick Steps to Get into the Bible

Holy Week celebration of Jesus, Palm Sunday, and Easter

A surprising spring snowfall brought reminders of Christmas during this Holy Week in which we celebrate Easter. A simple glimpse back brings connection to the events from Palm Sunday to Easter, finding the gift of Jesus in the middle of the celebration.

Christmas

It’s April and it snowed this week. The big fluffy flakes were out of place locally this late in the year. Watching them float to the ground with some retaining their form as they landed was magical. So beautiful in fact that it didn’t matter they came so late in the season. The moment still brought the giddy feeling a winter snow fall brings. While the calendar may already say spring, this surprising weather brought back the magic of Christmas.

Jesus’ birth

As we approach Easter Sunday and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, when he rose to life, we can take a moment to look back at Christmas when we celebrate his birth.

An angel of the Lord spoke to Mary’s husband Joseph in a dream announcing the birth of this gift from God.

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 NIV

When the Messiah arrived, an angel announced the good news to the shepherds out in the field:

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV

Jesus’ arrival

The shepherds rejoiced at Jesus’ arrival.

Another group of people celebrated Jesus’ arrival. This time as an adult it was his arrival into Jerusalem.

Holy Week

This week is Holy Week, the succession of days from Palm Sunday to Easter. The days between the triumphant procession of Jesus into Jerusalem and the victory in heaven as Christ made a way for us.

Hosanna

At the beginning of the week a joyful crowd greeted Jesus with shouts of praise as he made his way into Jerusalem.

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV

Victorious

Riding on a donkey, Jesus fulfilled the words spoken by the Old Testament prophet Zechariah:

“Rejoice, O people of Zion!
    Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you.
    He is righteous and victorious,
yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—
    riding on a donkey’s colt.” Zechariah 9:9 NLT

A victory parade suitable for a king.

Shouts

By the end of the week another crowd raised their voices with words meant for Jesus.

“Crucify him!” they shouted. Mark 15:13 NIV

This crowd had chosen his fate. Or had they?

Raised to life

While Jesus was still with his disciples, he told them,

“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life.” Matthew 17:22-23 NIV

Remember

For Jesus’ followers, the days began with a joyous procession. But a few days later the disciples were surprised as their teacher was taken away from them. So much happens in the middle that we can miss if we don’t pause to remember. Remember Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Remember Jesus breaking the bread and lifting the cup to remind his followers of his body and blood offered for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 22:19-20, Matthew 26:26-28)

Gift of life

As we move through Holy Week may we pause to remember what Christ did for us and truly celebrate the gift of life He gave for us.

Another perspective on Holy Week:

Holy Week – Palm Sunday to Easter and everything in between

Just getting started with the Bible? Here’s a free resource:

5 Quick Steps to Get into the Bible

Christmas carols in the Scriptures – O Little Town of Bethlehem

Why is Bethlehem referred to as “little” in the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”? Find connection to the Scriptures and the significance of this little town.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

As I’ve become more familiar with the content of the Bible, words and phrases from Christmas carols take on new meaning as I recognize references in scripture. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is one such carol whose lyrics speak more deeply the more I read my Bible. Let’s look at a few noteworthy observations as we seek to find significance in this song about a small town.

Christmas carol

This may not be the most well-known Christmas carol. Songs like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” or “Silent Night” tend to top the list of a Christmas carol sing-along. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is more likely to be a song some singers in the group know but not all. The other two songs clearly sing of the angels or nativity scene with mother and child. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” focuses on a location. What’s so important about that and why is it described as “little”?

That’s precisely what caught my attention this year as I pulled out holiday tunes to play on the piano. Let’s look at the name of this song to discover some details about its significance.

O Little Town

Why little?

This description of “little” comes from a reference in the New Testament Gospel of Matthew:

“And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.” Matthew 2:6 NLT

This is actually a reference to words of the Lord through the prophet Micah in the Old Testament:

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
    whose origins are in the distant past,
    will come from you on my behalf.” Micah 5:2 NLT

Did you notice the contrast of how these are both written? The Old Testament excerpt describes Bethlehem as “only a small village among all the people of Judah.”

Then the Lord continues to proclaim, “Yet a ruler… will come from you on my behalf.”

The New Testament passage from Matthew declares, “You, O Bethlehem… are not least among the ruling cities of Judah.”

Then continues to announce, “For a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.”

The Old Testament passage from Micah helps us understand the label “little”. But we also see that in spite of Bethlehem’s small stature, this little town was chosen for a great purpose.

Bethlehem and a ruler

This ruler, a shepherd, points forward to Jesus. The Son of God sent from the Father. Jesus the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11,14)

Bethlehem is the birthplace of the Messiah. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, the town of Joseph’s lineage.

“And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Luke 2:3-5 NIV

David, a shepherd, who also happened to be the least of his brothers. When the Lord sent Samuel to the house of a man named Jesse to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king, no one expected the youngest son David to be chosen.

“Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ So he asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’

‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered. ‘He is tending the sheep.’” 1 Samuel 16:10-11 NIV

Bethlehem and provision

In the Old Testament book of Ruth, we find another connection to Bethlehem and to David. A widow named Naomi returned to her people in Bethlehem. Accompanying her was her faithful daughter-in-law Ruth, also a widow who was from Moab.

Ruth met and married a man named Boaz, a guardian-redeemer (Ruth 2:20) whose act of redemption brought Ruth into his family and provision for the widow. From this union a woman on the outside joined the family line of Judah and became an ancestor of Jesse and of David, the shepherd who grew to be king. (Ruth 4)

From this family line came the One who would be ruler and shepherd, Jesus.

Bethlehem’s significance

Bethlehem, the place the shepherds journeyed to after a visit from an angel gave them word of the Messiah, the Savior born there. (Luke 2:8-15)

While Bethlehem may have been small, her role in history is far reaching. And who came to Bethlehem but shepherds, the outcasts of society, and a pair of widows, easily forgotten were it not for the presence of a redeemer.

And who came out of Bethlehem but a shepherd David, the youngest of his brothers, and a Savior, Christ the Lord.

What of your story? Do you see yourself with a small part to play? What greater role might God have for you that’s bigger than you imagine? Your part may be more significant than you realize. Take a cue from a small home town that birthed the greatest gift from God.

Looking for more Christmas carols?

Christmas Carols in the Scriptures – Angels We Have Heard on High

Christmas Carols in the Scriptures – O Holy Night

Christmas Carols in the Scriptures – Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Christmas Carols in the Scriptures – The First Noel

Christmas Carols in the Scriptures – O Come O Come Emmanuel

Wondering how to get started with the Bible? Here are five simple steps to get into the Bible.

How to overflow with hope

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:31 — 4.2MB)

How would you like to overflow with hope?

Could you use some hope in your life?

Abundance of hope

Did you know we have access to an abundance of hope if we know where to look? And not just hope for ourselves, but for our families, friends, and the people around us. Where do we find it? If you guessed the Bible, you’d be on the right track, but it’s more than that.

Word of God go-to verse

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to go to the Word of God, have a go-to verse or verses to lean on and lean into when needed?

I don’t know about you, but short of seeing a verse on a plaque on the wall or greeting card, I haven’t actively engaged in a process to memorize scripture and anchor into a verse.

Apply a scripture passage

How can we intentionally apply a scripture passage in our own life and add it to our spiritual toolkit to access when needed?

Anchor into the Word of God

More than just reading a verse and trying to remember it, what if we connected in a tangible way to the passage to anchor ourselves in the Word of God?

Let’s start with this one from the book of Romans.

God of hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

I was never good at memorizing scripture. How about you? I’ve read this Bible verse so many times now I’ve memorized this one. More than that, I’m on my way to internalizing this verse. Able to recall it in a moment because it’s written on my heart and has taken root in my way of thinking.

Spend time with these words

It started as a verse on a notecard. At the time I didn’t actually know where it was located in the Bible, I just saw it as a lovely verse. The more time I spend with these words, the more they speak to me. Not only can I recall them, but I can anchor myself in them. I pray the same for you.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

Let’s start with a pause. Pause to read and absorb this verse from the book of Romans.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

Overflow with hope

How do we overflow with hope?

Trust in God.

He fills you with joy and peace.

You overflow with hope.

By the power of the Holy Spirit.

Not a manufactured artificial hope that we have to try and keep up, but hope fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our trust in God leads to Him filling us with joy and peace, through which we receive hope.

And that hope is not simply enough for you, but an overflow, an abundance that reaches those around you. Not only do you receive the hope you need, but you become a conduit of hope for others, a carrier of hope to a world in need of hope.

When we remember how to experience hope, we can continually come back to the source, the God of hope. We can lean into the blessing of these words.

Pray from scripture

We can also pray from this passage of scripture.

“Lord, fill me with all joy and peace. I trust you.

I trust you are moving and working in whatever situation I find myself in, even when I don’t understand or can’t make sense of it. Even when I’m not sure which direction to take or how to move forward. I trust you, Lord.”

So my prayer for you is this:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

What if we prayed this verse for each person we interact with, every individual whose name comes to mind, and everyone we see? The person in the car in front of you at the stoplight. The one in the grocery store. The stranger, the friend.

Whether we speak this prayer aloud or pray it in our heart, we can send out a blessing of hope to whomever we encounter.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

For more insights on how to anchor into the Word:

Are you thirsty? Find refreshment in the Wor d

A simple way to find peace throughout the year

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:18 — 6.7MB)

Long after the holidays have passed, an unexpected gift shows us a simple way to find peace throughout the year.

Promise of peace

In the busyness of life, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the details of a too long to-do list or the myriad of thoughts cluttering our minds. The promise of peace on earth can feel like a distant memory from a long-forgotten holiday. That is, until we discover a misplaced, overlooked decoration that didn’t find its way back into the box from whence it came.

What if that seemingly out of place ornament is really a reminder of what shouldn’t get packed away?

Wayward ornament

Every year one ornament hides from the boxes and doesn’t get put away after the Christmas season is over. Sometime in the first few weeks of the new year I discover the wayward ornament. I’ve come to expect it and just wonder who the seasonal stowaway will be. This January was no different, at least as far as forgetting one. But this year’s blunder was colossal, not even close.

I look now and think how could I have possibly missed it – or them as it were? Sometimes I forget I’ve set up decorations in a less traveled room and simply don’t get back to the space before all the box lids are closed. But this year’s hold outs were in the same room as the Christmas tree albeit at the opposite end of the room.

Reminders of the celebration

But seriously, how could I have missed something – or things – so big? What you ask? Two holiday banners. One long and skinny, the other a square. The first adorned with a star, a candle, bells, and other instruments. Festive symbols of sacred song and worship. Reminders of the celebration of our Savior’s birth, Jesus who brings light and life into our midst.

The other banner shows an ornament adorned with a dove accompanied by the words “Peace on Earth.”

When I consider these two banners adorned with symbols of the season, I see signs of worship and peace. A reminder of the angelic praises of heaven witnessed by the shepherds on that holy night.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 NIV

Might we remember this message of hope in the new year?

In a season when so much can distract or discourage us, we can remember that worship is the way to peace. When weighed down by the worries of the world, we can worship our way to peace in our hearts.

Pause

I never feel like I have enough time to get everything done. Then when I sit with Jesus, really sit, not a drive by coffee chat, but settle in, questions get answered, priorities realized, insight comes, my heart fills with a sense of calm and what’s really important.

So if you’re not sure how to get started, simply pause, rest for a moment without an agenda, but rather a heart ready to seek Jesus’ presence.

We could call this a precursor to prayer. This pause doesn’t require preparation, only expectation of a moment left open for the Savior to spend a moment with us.

Sometimes that happens by simply looking out a window at nature. A chance to step outside, then taking the time to notice a branch of a tree, a bird, or even a rock can anchor us to the beauty of God’s creation, clearing the mind of chaos.

Pray and listen

If we choose to pray, then let our prayer be the beginning of a dialogue, not a monologue. If we resist the urge to do all the speaking, and instead listen, we leave room for the Holy Spirit to speak into our heart.

Passage

Reading scripture offers another entry point into peace.

New to reading scripture? Here’s an overview of the whole Bible:

Bible quick view

Sometimes you don’t even have to open your Bible to benefit. Simply holding a Bible can provide a tangible reminder of our connection to Jesus.

I wrote a blog post about that here:

Don’t open your Bible, at least not yet

In some ways it’s like having coffee with a friend. Even before the conversation starts, the connection and the benefit of being in their company begins.

If we allow our Bible to be a reminder of God’s Presence in our lives, then simply reaching for it can posture us toward a sense of peace.

But if you do open your Bible to read, pray and ask God to show you something in the scripture passage. Just that much is an invitation for God to speak.

Verse 11 from Psalm 29 provides two phrases we can rest in:

“The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

Let the words of the psalm settle into your heart and mind.

“The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11 NIV

Do you need strength today? Hold onto that portion of the verse.

Do you need peace? Receive the blessing in the words of this psalm.

When I pause to reflect on this verse, these two phrases, I see a gift and a blessing from God.

The gift of strength and the blessing of peace.

We can also breathe the words of this passage. As we breathe in, we can read the first phrase:

“The Lord gives strength to his people;”

As we breathe out, we focus on the second half:

“The Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Just doing that requires me to slow down my breathing, a benefit of resting in the Word of God.

Praise

We can also take a cue from the angel in the Christmas story and praise God. Here’s a little context from the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, verses 13 and 14. This is right after the angel of the Lord tells the shepherds about the Messiah:

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:13-14 NIV

If it works for the angel, we can praise God with the same words.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 NIV

Settle into the song of the angel. Worship with the heavenly host. Praise a path of peace.

Peace on earth

This morning I pondered the words of this passage, specifically the phrase “peace on earth.” Outside was a bit stormy. At the time the wind blew in temperatures below freezing, while I sat in warmth and comfort. This had me thinking, what if “peace on earth” isn’t so much about peace covering the earth, but about us experiencing peace while on the earth? For those who choose to live a life that includes Jesus, we can receive such peace.

Way to peace

God is more powerful than our problems. What if the way to peace comes through praise and worship? Not focused on our problems but on the power of God.

When I think on those two banners left out after the holidays were over, I now see them as gifts from the Holy Spirit. Maybe I was meant to find these gentle reminders, that spoke so surprisingly because they felt out of season. But maybe peace and calm should feel like year-round gifts from God, and maybe He needs to reclaim our attention because as the new year busy takes over we can easily forget the gift of a child bringing a message of “peace on earth.”

Maybe what felt out of place was really what was needed in the first place.

Whether through a pause, a prayer, or the Word of God, may your worship and praise draw you into a place of peace.

New to reading the Bible? Here’s a handy guide to what’s in it:

Bible quick view

Still looking for a Bible? Here are some hints on how to choose one:

What to look for when choosing a Bible

Not sure where the Psalms are in your Bible, here’s a way to locate them:

Finding My Place