“The ninth chapter of Mark’s gospel,” Stan began, “has the story of the transfiguration.”
Continuing, he said, “Jesus went to a mountain and took with him Peter, James, and John.”
“I remember the story,” I said. “Jesus was changed in appearance, thus, it is called the ‘transfiguration’. Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus.”
“That’s right,” Stan said, “and the disciples had no idea of what to make of what they were seeing. The gospel account actually says they were ‘terrified.’ And I can well imagine that it was true.”
“An interesting point,” Stan continued, “is that Mark’s account doesn’t indicate how the disciples knew who they were seeing, but that is besides the point.”
“What is the point?” I asked.
“I think,” Stan replied, “that what happened next is the point.”
“A cloud formed. And out of the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is My beloved Son, listen to Him’.”
Continuing, Stan said, “God the Father was clearly speaking and telling the disciples what to do. They were told to listen to Jesus.”
“And,” he added, “I hear the same thing every single day from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Listen!”
“The Father did not say, ‘hear My Son’; He said ‘listen’ to Him. And there is an important difference between hearing and listening. I need to remind myself of that difference on a continual basis and truly focus on the listening part. If I hear, but do not listen in that I am not paying enough attention, I am way off base.”
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This is My beloved Son, listen to Him! Mark 9:7
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you want me to listen to Jesus. I know there is an important difference between hearing and listening. And I confess that too often I do not truly listen to what you have for me to hear, understand, and obey. Please forgive me. And please, Lord, lead me in not being distracted from all you have for me; help me to truly listen to you. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Waiting for the Train 