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Monday, March 11, 2024 How To Miss A Miracle Scripture: Matthew 17:1-4 (NLT) – “Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, ‘Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’” Message: The transfiguration is where the veil between heaven and earth gets parted, and heaven breaks in on earth. Here Peter gives us a step-by-step lesson on how we can miss a miracle. 1) don't listen to Jesus: Peter starts by talking – if you don't know what to say, don't say anything – just be quiet and listen. Who or what have you been listening to lately? If you want to see the amazing things that God is doing in your life, you have got to become quiet and listen to Jesus. And the word "listen" does not just mean hear – it also means to understand and to do. 2) be busy with lots of good things: When we get busy with good things, like building three shelters, we focus on ourselves, and Jesus becomes just one of many things on our list – not our central focus. 3) give God a lot of advice: By wanting to build three shelters, Peter is advising Jesus, essentially saying: “God, I know you have a wonderful plan for my life. However, I think that plan should be......” What is the difference between you and God? God never gets confused and thinks He's you! 4) stay on the mountain and avoid pain: By wanting to build the three shelters, Peter is trying to make the experience permanent. He wants to stay on the mountain top, rather than go back down to the brokenness of this world to heal it. Prayer: Jesus, help us open our eyes to see how You are at work. Help us set aside all the stuff that keeps us busy and focused away from You, so that we can see the many ways that Your Heaven is breaking into our lives, and point to You as the author of it all. Amen. Jim Esch |
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