Monday June 20th, 2016 Luke 9:37-43
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. (verse 37)
The day before Jesus had been on the Mountain of Transfiguration with Peter, James and John, worshipped and adored by them.
The day before a voice had thundered out of the clouds, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”
The day before Jesus and his disciples were given a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ identity and ministry.
And then came the next day?
Great, noisy crowds thronged about him, demanding his attention. He was instantly drawn into the human dramas unfolding at the bottom of that mountain. People were begging for healing, deliverance, relief from their suffering. Jesus was thrown into the milieu of human needs and was expected to meet those needs.
Perhaps Jesus could have handled the pressure simply because of his divinity. I sometimes wonder, though, if the mountaintop experience clarified his vision and strengthened his spirit in a way that allowed him to minister with renewed power and effectiveness.
We, too, need time away from the hustle and bustle of human interaction and draining distractions. We need quiet time alone when we are able to gain a clear sense of our calling. We need our own mountaintop experiences with our God.
Heavenly Father, today make us aware of your presence and power in our lives. Give us a clear vision of our role in your church. Amen. — KG
Contributed by Rest a While
The day before Jesus had been on the Mountain of Transfiguration with Peter, James and John, worshipped and adored by them.
The day before a voice had thundered out of the clouds, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
The day before Jesus and his disciples were given a powerful affirmation of Jesus' identity and ministry.
And then came the next day?
Great, noisy crowds thronged about him, demanding his attention. He was instantly drawn into the human dramas unfolding at the bottom of that mountain. People were begging for healing, deliverance, relief from their suffering. Jesus was thrown into the milieu of human needs and was expected to meet those needs.
Perhaps Jesus could have handled the pressure simply because of his divinity. I sometimes wonder, though, if the mountaintop experience clarified his vision and strengthened his spirit in a way that allowed him to minister with renewed power and effectiveness.
We, too, need time away from the hustle and bustle of human interaction and draining distractions. We need quiet time alone when we are able to gain a clear sense of our calling. We need our own mountaintop experiences with our God.
