Daily Reading: Matthew 17
Scripture Focus: And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Matthew 17.8)
Devotional Thought: What an experience! High up on a mountain with Jesus (that in itself was a privilege not to be taken lightly...), Peter, James and John saw Jesus 'transfigured' and saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. Wow! That will give your faith a boost. But, Moses and Elijah were only temporary phenomena. The glowing face and clothing of Jesus faded away. The trio of men with Jesus had to come down off the mountain top. I like what Matthew recorded: "When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only."
Think about a couple things we can learn from this account:
'Spiritual transfiguration' takes place in times of prayer (BBC, 161). Time spent with Jesus on the mountaintop is so important to our spiritual formation. We must make time and space for these encounters with Jesus. Peter and James and John went with Jesus. Had they not made the effort, they would have missed this life-changing experience. Private prayer or public prayer, guided prayer or spontaneous prayer, at home or at church or in my small group - I should avail myself of these opportunities to be changed.
No spiritual experience is of worth unless it leaves one with an increased consciousness of Christ's presence (BBC 162). An exhilarating experience of the presence of God is not an end in itself. When the experience is past, Jesus must still be present. I must avoid seeking an experience and instead seek Jesus. I must fix my eyes on Jesus!
So go high up the mountain in prayer and worship. Experience Jesus and his glory. But then, when the moment passes, lift up your eyes and see Jesus, Jesus only!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for those special times of communion when your glory is present. Change me in your presence, O Lord. Then, help me, I pray, to see you in regular moments of regular days. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you--you are my God. 3 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. 4 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. 6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. 7 In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me. 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. (Psalms 86:1-10)
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