Pastor Kurt Holm
The Creek Church Community
Mark 9:7 Then a cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Remember the first time you looked through a microscope? What looks like a speck of simple dirt suddenly comes alive with texture, color and patterns. You now never look at things the same way again because everything has the potential to be more than it seems.
The transfiguration of Jesus was an event that revealed that there was more going on than what meets the eye. For Jesus, it affirmed the difficult path toward Jerusalem and the cross. Moses and Elijah assured him that this was what history had longed for and hoped for and looked forward to. God his Father spoke as well, to assure him he was acting as his own beloved son should act and must act. All of this was just a little frightening for the disciples. They were invited to witness a fuller reality of who Jesus is and of his relationship with his Father God. The voice from the cloud confirmed it. Jesus is the beloved son of the living God. And they were emphatically instructed to listen (carefully) to this Son of God. Listening carries with it the idea of not only hearing but obeying.
You and I have been invited by Jesus to embrace a similar relationship with his Father, “Anyone who loves me will be loved by my Father.” John 14:21. Moreover, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1. Our identity flows from our relationship with God. It’s true; you’re beloved sons and daughters. Amazing! And our obedience to our Father’s purposes, like Jesus’ obedience to the cross, is empowered by this divine relationship. Remember, listening to God’s voice carries with it the idea of not only hearing but obeying.
Prayer: Thank you Father that I am your beloved child, secure and confident in your love and ready to follow you…wherever. Amen.
I really like replaying this scene in my head! What an amazing display it must have been to see and hear Jesus receive words from Moses, Elijah, and God himself! (I wonder what God’s audible voice is like.) That alone reminds me of how mighty my savior is. (Sometimes with all the prayers whispered and said silently in my mind during the day, I forget how big God is.) I’m so thankful to be his and to have him with me as I walk today. How rich I am, seeing as I am his child! How blessed and loved we are to have his guidance and patient love! Thank you Lord!
Thanks for the reminder to listen closely and remember though the day.
“You now never look at things the same way again because everything has the potential to be more than it seems.” Love it Kurt. May I and everyone who reads your devo today stop and “see what great love the Father has lavished upon us” a little better today! Share how you experienced the Love of the Father today!
Mind boggling but breath taking in the reality of His presence in us through His Holy Spirit, assuring us of his love now and forever.
“The transfiguration of Jesus was an event that revealed that there was more going on than what meets the eye. For Jesus, it affirmed the difficult path toward Jerusalem and the cross.” With each passing day it becomes clearer and clearer to me what it means to “bear my cross.” Jesus demonstrates here complete submission to His Father – He listens to Him. Jesus trusts His Dad, He loves Him and is obedient to His will, Jesus is now focused on His mission – decisive.
Wonderful reminder Kurt that our identity is IN Him and He is the Lover of my/our soul. While some things seem to good to be true [and this is one of them], it really is SO good it must be true. And that is a truth I’m thankful you reminded me of today.