Lent: With One VoiceSample

DO YOU HAVE FRIENDS IN CHURCH?

Almost every event in the life of Jesus is portrayed in early Christian art except this one – the Transfiguration. It is a time when heaven reached down and touched the earth. Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John and brought them to a mountain. Why did Jesus pick these three men?

James was to be the first apostle to die for the faith. John would be the last apostle to die. Peter was to be the one to stand up on the Day of Pentecost and proclaim the significance of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. Also these three men were going to be with Jesus during the Gethsemane experience.

But perhaps there is another reason why Jesus took these men. Perhaps He needed someone to be with Him. He is getting ready to go to Jerusalem to die. The time is drawing closer and He needs a friend. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that you can do it alone. Jesus needed friends and He knows that we need them too. That is why He has given us the CHURCH.

FOR REFLECTION
• Are you committed to a local church? Is it a place where you can establish strong fellowship and accountability with the believers? Are you a friend to someone who might need your support this week?

PRAYER
Father, I recognize that I need You and the Church, and confess that in my busyness I have neglected the fellowship of believers. I am making a commitment to belong to a weekly cell group this week.