Friday, March 16, 2018

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Mark 9:2–13      
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.” (NRSV)

Reflection
When Jesus took his inner circle, Peter, James, and John, to the high mountain, Jesus was transformed right before their eyes—in sparkling white. Can you imagine what was going through their minds? And then all of a sudden, Elijah and Moses (who were both dead) appeared and were talking to Jesus! Peter suggested they build three dwellings—one for each—Jesus, Elijah, and Moses. Peter placed all three on an equal plateau, instead of exalting Jesus only. Peter was busy “doing” things instead of listening to Jesus. Then a cloud overshadowed them and a voice from Heaven cried out, saying “This is my son, the Beloved; listen to him.”

I can certainly relate to this. I will ask God for direction or advice and at times, when he speaks, I do not hear him or listen because I’m too busy trying to figure it out myself. However, when I do listen to God and follow his instructions, things work out!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I journey through this Lenten season, help me to meditate on your final days here on earth. Continue to give me ears to hear what you are saying and clear vision to what you’re showing me so that I may share the Good News to others, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Written by Arlene Raine, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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