Saturday, February 10, 2018
Matthew 17:1-4 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here ..."
GOOD PLACES TO STAY--AND TO GO
There are circumstances ("good places") in which we, like Peter, find ourselves wanting to remain. We may think of a particularly uplifting worship service, or at the feet of Christian teachers, or in private meditation. It is good to be in that safe harbor, being strengthened through the gospel of Christ. However, It would be a selfish attitude only to receive God's Word and never share it. Being in such a "safe" situation may be good for us personally, but it does not help those who are in desperate need of God's Word, which illuminates our sin and casts a spotlight on Jesus as our Savior.
We are witnesses, just as Peter, James, and John were. In his second epistle Peter recalled the transfiguration of Jesus, and then added, "We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (2 Peter 3:18). Enjoy that Word of God as you bask in Jesus' glory and are fed by Him in His Word! At the same time realize that it is also good to go out and illuminate others with that same glory of Jesus revealed in Holy Scripture. Jesus shows us the way--in the fact that He left comfort and glory aside for the love of lost souls!
Tis good, Lord, to be here.
Yet we may not remain;
But since Thou bidst us leave the mount,
Come with us to the plain.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 135:5)
