Archeology of the Soul: Recovering What Matters!

Last year, my wife and I visited Naples. During our time there we were able to explore the ruins of Pompeii and also Vesuvius, which involved a drive then a bit of a slog to reach the peak - and to our amazement there were wafts of smoke (or possibly steam!).

When Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, Pompeii was buried in tonnes of molten ash. Excavations began over 250 years ago and to this day about 70% of the site has been recovered. Walking through those streets was like seeing time stand still—with so much left almost perfectly preserved. And many skillful people have spent pain-staking hours, and years, recovering the treasures of Pompeii.

Spiritually, our lives can get 'stuck in time. Life happens. The "ash" of daily chores, stress, and noise begins to settle. Before we know it, we’re stuck. So, I want to take a few moments to encourage you, if you're feeling stuck, then perhaps it's time to do some archaeology of the soul. What recovery work might we need to invest time in.

I want to use an incident in the life of John from Revelation (1:9-19) that may help us:

Recover a Vision

The central feature of this incident is John's vision of Jesus. I fear that the 'ash' of modern life can reduce Jesus to a "first among equals"—a good teacher or a helpful life-coach—instead of the majestic figure that captured John's imagination on this day.

These verses paint a composite image of the glorified Son. John hears a voice and turns to see who is speaking. What follows is a sensory overload of imagery that echoes the visions of Daniel, and the Son of Man. He is walking among the seven golden lampstands (the churches). Then we see the robes, which point to the Priesthood in Exodus. His hair as white as snow, which has echoes of the Ancient of Days and speaks of His authority and wisdom. The eyes, the feet, the sound of His voice - all speak to HIs power and majesty. We could unpack each of these, but it was enough to bring John to his knees; a near-death experience!

In our 'stuck-ness' we need to take time to recover a vision of the risen, ascended, glorified  Lord Jesus Christ, Ruler of All. As the song-writer simply says, 'turn your eyes upon Jesus...' Maybe then some of what keeps us stuck will begin lose its power and the treasure within can re-emerge.

Recover Truth

In John's state of awe struck wonder we also witness the truth of God's grace. The same right hand that holds the churches and the seven stars is the same right hand that then reaches out to lift John and, to paraphrase, says to him, "Don’t be afraid. Get on your feet. This is who I am." In the things that have perhaps got buried we are always reminded of the grace of God. He always comes to lift us, even when we feel utterly unworthy.

But there's more... John is exiled on Patmos, but he still identifies with God's people. It's almost as though he's looking across to the mainland, and writes, 'your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours!' And then he writes that 'On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit...'

We can overlook this as incidental, but while John was stuck on Patmos he still identified with God's people and he was still in a place where he was ready to worship! It can be so easy when we get buried under a mountain of things to do that fellowship and worship - time with each other and time with God - can fall by the wayside! But it was into an environment of fellowship and worship that God moved!

Whatever point our life is at today, we are always candidates for God's grace and we must never lose sight of the need for community, fellowship, worship that are vital to Christ-centred living.

Recover a Purpose

Finally, into this moment Jesus reminds John that there was still something he had to do: 'Write...'

By his point, John was likely in his 80s. It had been about 60 years since he had last seen Jesus in the flesh. He had "seen it all!" But God still had a purpose for him.

Faith and serving God are never about age or status; they are about expectancy. Perhaps your purpose has been buried under the "daily grind." But maybe God is saying there is still more. There is a commission for you to communicate His love and truth to those around you, regardless of your season of life.

Archeology of the Soul: Your Turn

As you reflect on John’s vision this week, take a moment to look at you

r own soul.

Where do I find myself feeling isolated or stuck today?

What has been buried? What dreams, truths, or joys have been covered by the 'ash of life'?

What needs to be recovered? Is there a treasure of faith you need to dig back up?

Jesus is standing by you today, reaching out His right hand, and saying, "Don't be afraid." It's time to start digging.