Luke 9: 28-36 28 About eight days after Jesus said this; he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.
So, let me see if I have this right. Your leader, the guy you believe to be the savior of the world takes you up onto a mountain to pray. Except, you can’t stay awake because obviously this is a very boring little excursion you’re on (with the Son of God). Then there’s some lightning and some splendor things and your guy is standing there with a couple of the legendary figures from the past that just happen to have been dead for many years. When you finally sort of come to, one of your buddies suggests that you build a marker or monument to signify him and the two dead guys (who are now gone, of course) at which time a voice from the clouds (which have enveloped you) tells you straight up that this guy standing in front of you is his son. And the voice is God’s but you and your buddies don’t tell anyone. IF I have this right, about all I can say is “Are you kidding me?!”
As aghast as I am at the disciples behavior (what could they have changed if they’d just opened their pie holes?) in a strange way I’m encouraged. If these guys were the ones Jesus chose. If these guys were the ones he was going to give the reins to once he was gone. If these guys then went on to spread the news all over the world and started a movement that still goes strong today. I have to say, I can do that!
I mean, they couldn’t seem to stay awake (this would happen again). They would deny they ever knew him. They would go into hiding after he was crucified. And then they would finally, finally have their eyes opened and do great and fantastic things. I guess the encouraging news is there’s hope for me after all. I can mess up, fall down, fall short and flat out fail but if I keep my eyes and my ears open and listen I too can be saved. Not only that, I can be a force, a light to others. Hallelujah!
Something to think about
Where have you messed up, missed the boat and fallen down? Do you believe that your past misdeeds don’t exempt you from salvation? Do you believe that God still wants needs and yearns to have you be an instrument for him?
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