All Things NewSample

Missing It

Still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Peter sees something strange. Jesus was in the same place he had been when he closed his eyes to sleep, but everything else had changed. Bright white robes, lights from the heavens, and two men that Peter was somehow able to recognize as Moses and Elijah had entered the scene. The next thing Peter realized was that the men were beginning to leave.

The most monumental moment in history for this Jewish man and he was sleeping! Trying to salvage the moment he cries out, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents...” Maybe if offered a camp-out Moses and Elijah would decide to stick around a bit. Even as it came from his mouth he probably realized how silly it sounded. Luke tells us he said this, "Not knowing what he said."

It was a great spiritual moment, it was the camp high, the moment of conviction when the pastor delivered that home run sermon, the great night of worship taking your breath away...and Peter did not want to let it pass. How often we do the same thing.

We want the feeling, not the life. We crave the moment, not the endurance. We seek the high, not the sacrifice. God wants better for us. Even as Peter yammers on, the Father speaks to the moment, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"

The feelings, the moments, the high can all be great. Only the Son makes us new. Peter wanted something special; the father wanted Peter to be made into something special. When we bounce from event to event hoping it will sustain our faith, we will be disappointed every time. Those times make us feel new for a while, but God is calling us to follow Jesus and be changed for a lifetime.

Enjoying the mountain top experience is fine, but never let it take your eyes off the one who makes you new.

Reading: Luke 9:28-36

Reflections:

• How often do we attend a conference, concert, or church service hoping for a moment like what Peter had on the hill?
• How long do those feelings last?
• What can you do to keep Jesus the focus both on the mountain, and after you've come down?