This is the essence

This morning I spent two hours on the Mount of Beatitudes-the traditional site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

After some general information about the location we were told to simply go spend time with God. I spent the next several minutes reading through the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5-7. And then I reread it . . . only this time asking God to speak into my life.

Matthew 7:12 came alive to me: Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of ALL that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Okay, at a very young age I memorized the Golden Rule. Perhaps that's why I don't pay too much attention to it. It's for little kids. Didn't Jesus say, "Unless you become like a little child . . ." Hmmm.

So I wrote in my journal:

If I were an orphan I would want someone to adopt me.

I were ill I would want someone to care for me.

If I were elderly and alone I would want someone to visit me.

If I were oppressed I would want someone to fight for me.

If I were wealthy I would want someone to teach me how to invest for eternity.

If I were addicted I would want someone to love me unconditionally.

If I were to win I would want someone to celebrate with me.

If I were on a journey I would want someone to walk beside me.

If I were weeping I would want someone to hold me.

This is the essence . . .