We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
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Luke 9:28-36, The Transfiguration (NRSV)
28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Devotional: Responding to the Glory of God
Have you ever been in a situation of wonder or amazement, where something incredible takes place? You feel like you need to say something suitably magnificent, but words fail you. And then you feel judged because you haven’t responded or didn’t do a good enough job of it.
This is the experience of Peter, John and James as Jesus takes them up the mountain. Jesus has been teaching the crowds, and more particularly his disciples about who he is (e.g. Luke 9:10-11; 18-22) but now these disciples have an amazing experience with Jesus – and their response shows how little they really understand. On seeing both Moses and Elijah with Jesus, it seems Peter feels he must respond to the situation – to say something – anything! Perhaps being half-asleep (32) partly explains his subsequent comments.
Bur despite the fact that he’s off-track, that he doesn’t “get” who Jesus is or the significance of the occasion, Peter isn’t reprimanded. Jesus accepts Peter’s attempts to understand and respond. It’s a time of teaching and acceptance. The teaching reiterates the message from Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21-22) that Jesus is the son of God; but Peter is also taught that he is accepted despite his inadequate attempts to respond to God’s glory.
How do we respond to what God’s working in our lives? Are we so afraid of not getting everything correct that we don’t say anything? Do we give the impression to others that they have to be completely right before they can speak of God? Here is a reminder that God looks at the heart, and even when we can’t express everything well, when everything is too overwhelming, God still accepts us and loves us.
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you that you do not reject us when we feel we have failed you. Thank you that we can come to you asking for forgiveness and strength to try again to live for you. Help us to accept your unconditional and unfailing love. Amen.
Pam Reed
Registrar and Student Support Tutor