SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:28-36
“Then a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.’ When the voice finished, Jesus was there alone. They didn’t tell anyone at that time what they had seen.” (Luke 9:35-36)
OBSERVATION:
It is not clear why Jesus only takes Peter, James and John. But this is a terrifying experience. They get a glimpse of Jesus divine glory, His earthly robe is pulled back for a brief moment, and they are speechless and terrified. In the midst of this scene, God speaks. To all people, all religions, all philosophies, God declares that He stands behind Jesus. If we want to find our way through this life, we need to listen to Jesus. He may not appear to be much, and His message may seem foolish, but its God’s way, the only way. The way of self-denial for the sake of others (as seen in Jesus emptying Himself of His glory to save us) is the way of God, of life, of hope, of the world as God made it to be (i.e. the kingdom of God).
APPLICATION:
If the way of Jesus is God’s way, then I need to accept it, and I need to tell others about it. God is saying to me too, ‘listen to Him’. If I do not follow what Jesus says and does, I am going against the flow of the universe, against life and God and even against myself as I was designed to be. The sinful life is the backwards life, not the Jesus life. One day we will see the glory of God’s way, but for now it is veiled to our sinful, selfish eyes. We’re asleep while all this is going on. I need to let this message sink in, because I feel like I am asleep to this. Do I really believe that the way of Jesus is the most glorious, the most important way… the only way? If I did, it would change my life more! More self-denial, more sacrifice for others, less thinking about my reputation and my comfort. It would be more obvious and radical if I (we) actually listened to and imitated the way of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Lord, please lead me beyond thinking about radically following You to start doing it. Thank You for this glimpse of Your glory, and the glory of Your way. Convince me please that this is also the best way for me… I’m still holding back. Amen.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Once again Jesus went to pray and this time He had three of His disciples with Him. Prayer was an important ingredient of His life. Lord, teach me how to pray and spend time with You each day.
The scene is what we call the transfiguration, where Jesus was speaking to Moses and Elijah, men of faith. They were speaking of things to come – His death, resurrection and ascensuion (exodus) from this world. A restoration of His place. One day we too will restored in total communion with the Lord. What a day that will be!
Seeing what was before them suddenly as they disciples awoke, they wanted to construct memorials on earth – one for each. We are born to live with Him forever if we but believe. We do not need a memorial. We serve the risen Savior and we need to listen and trust in Him. Living for Jesus a life that is true. All for Jesus, that must be my choice this day! Today and each day, God Is First. By Your Spirit Lord, help me to live that Way this and every day until the day we meet at Jesus’ feet.
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.
The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.
O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.
For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.