Luke 9:28-36
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.)
While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.
Pray for God’s guidance as you read this passage. You may want to read the entire chapter to get a better "feel" for what Luke is communicating about Jesus.
The word translated "departure" is literally "exodus." In what way is Jesus about to make an Exodus?
What is the significance of Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus?
How does Peter react to the situation?
What is the significance of God’s statement?
What does this passage mean for us?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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12 comments:
Hey, it's good to be back home again.
This weather is slightly annoying, but I guess we shouldn't complain.
Like to but won't. ha ha
We had an amazing time at ElderLink in Atlanta! It started on Friday night with Randy Harris, who is hard to describe. He is such a powerful speaker. He delivery is simple and conversational but his content just blows you away.
On Saturday my friend Earl spoke, and then there was a panel discussion followed by break-out sessions discussing various spiritual practices.
After lunch I spoke to the whole group for about 40 minutes about our church and the relationship with the elders. Then three of our elders, Wayne, Anthony, and Steve, spoke briefly in response to what I said. Then we fielded questions from the audience; Earl moderated.
It went very well.
I am relieved that it's over and feel affirmed and encouraged by the experience.
We have a really good church, you know! We probably need to say that a little more often. Probably will...
Listen to Him. God verifies that Jesus is who He said He is. Listen is an verb, an action word. When we think of listening we think of sitting to hear something or someone. It involves action, concentration, full attention. We humans have minds that wander and short attention spans. When I look at the Bible today certain verses have a different meaning to me now because when they were first studied I was in a different time in my life and my focus was about then but today they mean different things to me because I am at a different time. Even though they have different meanings at different times the listening to His words encourage and discipline us as we live our lives. The point is, I guess is just to keep listening until the full meaning is revealed. Not all answers are given in this life that we as humans can understand but we listen and we hear Him in His Word. We look up from the word to go about our lives and we still listen for him in the world around us from the people we encounter to this beautiful world we live in. Real listening takes our full attention. We cannot get what He is telling us with distractions and noise but He still speaks to us in the noise
of life. He encompasses us, surrounds us in all things and in all ways. Just listen. Have a great week everyone. Life is a gift. Sherron Fields
Thanks, Sherron, for your good words and thoughts.
We left Atlanta early Sunday morning and drove to Nashville so we could meet Luke and worship with him. We had a good trip, so we made it in plenty of time; took a little less than 4 hours.
We worshiped with the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ. It was good to be with Luke (and his no longer apparent but now real girlfriend Caroline). After worship we ate at a little barbecue place called Corkey's. It was pretty good. I got a half rack of ribs. Gotta check out what others do!
After lunch we made our way home, arriving sometime after 6. It was good to get back to the familiar.
Yesterday was busy and interesting. I finally had my much anticipated and long awaited conversation with M at the gym. I may give you details later, but for now I will say that he left his Christian faith for Native American spirituality. His mind is totally closed at this point. We had a good talk and departed in a friendly fashion.
Our Men's Bible Study last night was really good. I try to wrap things up in a little over an hour and did, but almost everyone stayed for nearly another hour. The conversation continued and deepened.
Last night we wrestled with the question, "What do you need?".
We talked a fair amount about 2 Peter 1:3-4.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
I'm tired! Must be these 15 hour days that I seem to be keeping. It's just happening like that right now. It will change soon.
I don't know where to start to tell you about the last couple of days. Just been a lot of ordinary stuff back to back to back to back.
I have had some interesting conversations about life with a few different folks. Talked about our text for the week.
Do you think Peter is just wanting to stay on the mountain and hang out (camp out) in this state of glory? Seems possible to me. "Now, this is living!" God shows up in a mysterious cloud and says, "Listen to what Jesus just said!"
What did he just say? "I have to go to Jerusalem and die." The point? Glorification does not come with out humility and death. Ask Moses and Elijah. Ask Jesus.
I need to realize that "mountain experiences" in this life are temporary and fleeting (like the Transfiguration), yet they give us a glimpse of future glory as we take up the cross of Jesus and die (to self) daily.
The boy I saw in jail a few weeks ago is now out and came to church tonight. I'm picking him up in the morning so he can help me load corn at Bryantsville for BHRP.
I am going to put him in touch with the admission counselor at OCU-B and see if we can get him in school. He really wants to turn things around and get on a good path.
He had some interesting and good things to say in class tonight.
He is really really wanting to work and will "do anything." If you know of something, please let me know.
I usually mow my grass, or at the clumps of grass in my yard, in March. Didn't this year. Still don't need to.
Very interesting article.
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