|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 22, 2006 CLEAR |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, February 22, 2006by Penny Risen
Ever step outside on a very clear cold night and take a deep breath?
Filling your lungs in a sharp chilly instant, you open your eyes and see with a new clarity. The night seems more defined, the stars appear brighter, the sounds are more vibrant and the icy breeze is invigorating. The world and your place in it are suddenly punctuated by this new awareness.
“Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep
in the cloud, a voice: ‘This is My Son, marked by My love.
Listen to Him!
The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes,
seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.” Mark 9: 7-8 The Message Bible
It seems when God wants to send a clear message He uses just such moments. “Listen to Him!” God commands from Heaven to those gathered on Mt. Tabor. “I’m being very clear about this: Jesus is unique. He is above all others.”
In this setting in Mark’s Gospel of Jesus’ Transfiguration, Jesus leads Peter, James and John apart from the others and up onto a high peak. Once there, Jesus’ appearance changes and He shines in a divine light, His clothes glistening and white. Moses and Elijah appear at His side, but Jesus shines brighter and dominates this amazing scene for the disciples.
In the Old Testament, God selected other mountains as places of grace to meet with and communicate clearly to His people. On Mt. Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments and on Mt. Carmel, Elijah witnessed the fiery battle between Baal and the Israelite’s God. But this glorious vision on Mt. Tabor is different: This One is the new and living way to replace the old --- He is the fulfillment of the Law and the countless prophesies in the Old Testament.
I’m speaking to you as directly as possible, God says to Peter, James and John: “Listen to Him!” This new covenant takes a front seat now in your lives as My children --- above the Law and the Prophets, beyond what your sacred scrolls and Pharisees tell you. His teachings about love, forgiveness, serving each other and your God must be heard and believed because Jesus is My beloved Son.
It’s made clear: Because of who Jesus is, we must give Him first place in our lives.
We’re a lot like Peter in this text when he reacts to this awesome moment in the only way he knows --- by putting it into human context. He proposes to build earthly monuments to Jesus, Moses and Elijah on this mountain, as if this concrete expression would somehow define and bring down to earth what he’s just witnessed. Just moments ago, Jesus was human and trudging up this mountain with Peter and his friends. Now right in front of His trusted disciples, Jesus is in His glory and Peter has a tough time taking this in.
The power and love of God, and His sacrifice of His beloved Son, are so much bigger than this, we like Peter are told. The promise of God’s kingdom can’t be defined in human and earthly terms. No matter how hard we try, we can’t and shouldn’t put our worship and praise for God and His creation into a box marked: “Just for Sundays only.” Listen to Him, God says, every day and everywhere, and give Him the first place in your hearts.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, I realize I should exalt You in every way I can. Guide my heart and hands to do Your will and to love others as You love me. Help me to listen to Your message. In action in my life, You always make it clear that You cherish me and You are my God. Amen.
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |