Down from the Mountain

Daily Reading: Mark 9

Scripture Focus:  And as they were coming down the mountain... They brought the boy to him. (Mark 9.9, 20)

Devotional Thought: In Mark 9 we read the story of how Jesus was “transfigured” on the mountaintop in front of three of his disciples.  The presence of God was so near that Jesus glowed.  What a great and glorious experience for the disciples!  But as they came down from this mountaintop experience, they were immediately confronted with an ugly reality: A boy’s life was being ruined by the forces of darkness at work in him.

Two things to learn from this story:

• No matter how lofty our experiences of God may be, we will find that we must “return to earth.”  For the disciples, it meant not only seeing the devastating impact of evil, but also, their return reminded them of their ineffectiveness in doing anything about it.  In the end, however, they were eyewitnesses to the conquering power of Jesus.  It is on this earth’s plane that we are witnesses to God’s miracles!

• Sin is ugly and gets uglier.  You’ve seen those pictures of pretty girls before and after drug addiction.  What promises to be an exhilaration, steals all dignity and beauty from a life.  Sin’s power will throw people into confusion and despair.  Then, when hope arrives – in the form of Jesus – it may even get worse.  It may seem that death will win.  We should not be surprised that the kingdom of darkness will react violently when a person is on the verge of being delivered.  Nor should we give up when things go from bad to worse.  Jesus has the power to deliver.

What darkness are you facing?  What hopeless situation seems to be getting worse no matter how hard you try to make it better?  Do not give up, my friend!  Only believe and you will see the glory of God (John 11.40).

Prayer: Lord, I would love to stay on the mountaintop with you, but I know that there is work for me to do in the valley.  So, help me to find the way through my own darkness and also to help others find their way, too.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 19.7-14

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.

13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.