Terrified

Daily Reading: Matthew 17

Scripture Focus: When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. (Matthew 17.6)

Devotional Thought: I recently read an article about how God has morphed in our minds from Holy Fire to Big Buddy.  He is not a Holy Deity inspiring fear, but rather a Friendly Buddy inspiring fun.  We traipse in and out of his sanctuary not expecting much to happen, not really preparing for an audience with this Terrifying Other. 

I have often urged people to seek the glory of God, but I wonder if I’m ready for that.  I wonder what I would do if God really “showed up.”  Would I be ready?  Or, would we need to fall trembling in fear like the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration? We say we want an encounter with God.  But, are we ready to be overwhelmed?

While on the mountaintop with Jesus, Peter, James, and John experienced something no one else ever had: they saw Jesus “transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light" (Matthew 17.2).  I would say that is a mountaintop experience, wouldn’t you?  But, God wasn't done with them yet.  He spoke - out loud! - to them.  That was just too much for poor Peter, James, and John.  They hit the ground, trembling with fear!

I believe that God wants to overwhelm us with his presence.  But, he knows that we are not ready.  He knows that it would be like giving fire to a three year old.  We would be consumed.  His mercy prevents us from seeing his glory.  Peter, James, and John were the only ones who were remotely ready on that day, and even they were terrified.

Do you want God to come?  If so, get ready to be terrified!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being so casual about your presence.  Help me to approach you with reverence and in awe.  I seek your face, O Lord.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 87.1-7

1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;

2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.

3 Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah

4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush-- "This one was born there," they say.

5 And of Zion it shall be said, "This one and that one were born in her"; for the Most High himself will establish her.

6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples, "This one was born there." Selah

7 Singers and dancers alike say, "All my springs are in you."