“We’ve talked about this before,” Stan began, “but I want to revisit the Mount of Transfiguration from a bit of a different view.” [Note to Reader: See Postings Number 49, “Listen,” and Number 50, “Who Do You See?”]
“What do you have for me?” I replied.
“You remember the story.” Stan said. “Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him when He went to the mountain where Jesus was transfigured.”
“I do,” I responded, “Jesus’ appearance changed right before their eyes. And Moses and Elijah appeared and they were talking with Jesus about what was going to be happening in Jerusalem.”
“That’s right,” Stan replied. “And what Peter did in response to what he saw is what I want to focus on. That, plus God’s response to Peter.”
Continuing, he said, “When Peter saw what was going on, his reaction was to tell Jesus that he, Peter, would build three tabernacles or altars, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
“That seems like it was an honorable thing to want to do,” I responded.
“Based on what happened next,” Stan said, “I don’t think Peter had the right response.”
“How so?” I asked.
“God spoke, interrupted what Peter was saying, and, in essence, told Peter that what Peter offered to do on his own was not the important thing. God spoke clearly and told Peter and the others to listen to what Jesus had said, as well as to what He was going to say in the future.”
“To me,” Stan added, “this is what God speaks to me all of the time through the Holy Spirit. He tells me to forget what I want to do for Him on my own. I am to listen to God and to be who and do what He says, not go off and do what I think He wants me to do.
“It’s kind of like,” Stan said, “if I go to God and tell Him that I am going to do such and such for Him, and He says, ‘Hold on, Stan; first I want you to listen to what My Son has to say; then go do that’.”
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This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased; hear Him! Matthew 17:5.
Prayer: Thank you, my Father, that you want to speak to me to let me know what it is you have for me to be and to do. I confess that too often I run before you with what I want to do without really considering whether it is what you want. That includes doing things for me and for you. Please forgive my impertinence in assuming I know what you want when I don’t even bother to ask. And please lead me in exact accordance with your will so I stop and truly seek to hear and to listen to your voice, the voice of your Son, and the voice of your Spirit. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about:
1. What is your biggest take-away from this devotional?
2. What does this devotional say about God and about us as His people?
3. What is God saying to you to do personally?
4. Who can you share this with to make a difference?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.
Waiting for the Train 