Two Worlds Collide
S - This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him !"Matthew 17:5b
O - These words came right from the heavenlies - through a cloud - interjecting through the babble of Peter as he was still speaking to Jesus about making 3 shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. Jesus, it is presumed, still transfigured - His face shining like the sun and his clothes as white as light. Peter maybe can't cope. So he gets very practical, very earthly. Here we have the clearest example of two world's colliding - the heavenly and the earthly, the spiritual and the flesh. God interjects! God overrules ! God asserts his power and authority and in doing so, confirms Jesus' authority. He is the Son of God and God loves Him and God is pleased with Him. Wow! There can be no doubt and no arguments for Christ's divinity. Here Joseph's son, the earthly man, was revealed for who he really is, the heavenly man. And amidst the earthliness and distractedness of earthly man God interjects with his clear command - Listen to Him! Heaven and its mysteries are available to us if we would just LISTEN!
A - How distracted I get, How often I forget the reality that this earthly existence with its worries, cares, needs, practicalities, tasks and challenges are only one dimension of our lives. The supernatural, transcendent and heavenly are so much more a reality. And this reality and its mysteries, its wisdom, its instruction are available to me , to us, if only we would LISTEN!
P - Oh Father God, dear heavenly Jesus, forgive us for the earthly that is so much a part of our lives and help us to attune our ears more and more to the reality of your world in our lives I pray. Amen.
Beware of Stumbling Blocks
ReplyDeleteS - Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Matthew 16:23
O - Within a very short space of time Simon Peter went from being called "blessed" to being a conduit for Satan. The one who was moments before making the declaration of faith on which Christ would build the Church was now a stumbling block to Christ himself. The Rock became a stone to trip over.
Jesus needed to deal strongly with hinderances that would prevent him from doing his Father's will. He named the work of Satan even in the life of his close friend. He told Satan to get behind him and clearly explained that what was being said was of men not of God. Jesus was clear. He was strong. He was unshakeable.
A - I must keep learning and growing. I must keep my heart open. I need to keep reading God's Word and hearing his voice so that I do not become one who is a stumbling block to Christ's work here. Christ's work often leads to pain, suffering, and strong opposition. I must follow him and do his will anyway.
P - When well meaning people say 'Never!' to what I feel you have made clear to me and to your people, help me be strong and clear and unshakeable in doing your dangerous will. Amen
Daily Readings - Matthew 16-17
Tues Sep 9/ Matt 16:17 There are times when I don't understand why God is asking me to do something/ but the outcome must be left to Him. In this instance He provided what was needed in the mouth of a fish! I must always be careful what I believe He is showing me is in line with His Word- cause He does not lie and He does not change. (Matt 16:16-17) - But Jesus is Christ- Son of the living God, and this is all revealed to us by God and not by man.... It is wise to listen to the counsel of many though I must ultimately make the decisions for my own life and the one I want to please more then any other- is God Himself. Father may passion for You grow in me more and more, thankyou for speaking to me each time I open Your Word. Help me to learn of your love for me more each day and Father as i get into Your Word may I learn and see who You are more and more. I know words can not accurately describe You- You're beyond amazing, may You help me be the woman/ mother/ sister/ daughter/ friend, that You desire me to be. It sounds like a great task- but Lord... You are greater. You are mine. I am Yours.
ReplyDeleteHOLY PRESENCE
ReplyDeleteS Matthew 17:5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleaed. Listen to him!"
O Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a high mountain by themselves. He took these 3 disciples to a new level - spiritually. Funny how Peter being the 'doer' wanted to build 3 shelters for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. THEN imagine how they felt (the disciples) as this bright cloud envelopes them - this is God completely surrounding them - then speaking to them. God finishes by saying 'Listen to him!"
A The power and incredible presence of God is shown here. How amazing to come close to God and fellowship with the creator, the all omnipotent one. I am not worthy.
P Thank you for your Holy Presence Lord. Let your face shine on me so that you can impact those I meet with your Love. Amen