And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God when it has come with power.”
2 And six days later Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; 3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here; let’s make three tabernacles, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know how to reply; for they became terrified. 7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud: “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him!” 8 And suddenly they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.
9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. 10 They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. 11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 And He said to them, “Elijah does come first and he restores all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wanted, just as it is written of him.”
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
The Israelites were familiar with setting up tabernacles (or booths) to commemorate the times when God's presence was with them. Memory aids can be good, until they become the objects of worship. Meanwhile, Jesus, and the glory of the future kingdom, was already with the disciples. But notice how Peter suggests they do something, only because he didn't know what else to say. Sound familiar?
As for memory aids, as believers, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit always with us, to guide us, strengthen us and equip us with the right actions and words. And we have access to God's words, now more than ever, with internet and remote access, and all the devices that are glued to our side... And, well, then there is our own memory-capabilities. Although, shocking-not-shocking, whatever is the focus of our hearts, this will be most prevalent in our thinking. And whatever we are thinking, has the great potential to come out of our mouths.
I grew up hearing, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Well, I'd like to change that to remind myself, "If I don't know what to say, ask the Lord if there is anything I should say, or is this the time to keep quiet." Otherwise, it's a great way to say something stupid! Why do we feel like we have to be clever, even with God? Meanwhile, as we are in a personal relationship with the Lord, who is all-knowing, He wants us to go to Him for everything, which starts with having the motive of God's selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, and His wisdom...
(James 1:5) But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Kind of like how my husband and I will help each other finish our sentences, or help find the right words that we are trying to remember, or help fill in the gaps to events as we are reminiscing... Just like that, I want to include God in every conversation.
