Friday Thought – October 16, 2015

Good Morning Friends,

“Jesus 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. Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. ... 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.’” (Luke 9:28-35)

Have you ever had a spiritual experience that you did not want to end? Youth sometimes have that kind of experience at church camp. Adults sometimes have that kind of experience at a special worship service or at a spiritually memorable point in their lives.

Spiritual experiences – even special ones – are not meant to be permanent. We aren’t meant to stay camped there. They are meant by God to equip us for the next phase of our journey with Him. They are meant to encourage and embolden us for the work God is calling us to do.

Peter, James and John had that kind of experience on the mount of Transfiguration and Peter wanted to stay there. He even offered to build shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.

This was a grand experience. In fact, years later Peter mentioned this event as an evidence of Jesus’ special glory and honor. “For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” (2 Peter 1:17-18)

If God does ever provide a special spiritual experience for you – enjoy it, thank Him for it – and then allow God to use it for what He wants in your life – to equip, encourage and embolden you. Just don’t stay camped there.

His, by Grace, Steve