Tuesday, April 12, 2011

April 13, 2011

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus."  Matthew 17:1-3

Jesus had twelve disciples but He had three "go to guys" whom He led up the mountain. They followed Him with no real idea what He had in mind for them. They loved Him and trusted Him and wanted to be where He was - so they followed! That was good! How can you be a follower of Jesus if you don't go where He leads? How can you be a follower of Jesus if you don't value intimate time with Him? These guys where and they did!

Because they followed Him up the mountain they got to experience something only a select few can claim this side of Heaven. They got to witness the glory of Jesus! They saw the "real" Jesus, the Son of God outside the "box" of His flesh! Wow! What a charge!

Now, you need to ask yourself, "What was Jesus' purpose in sharing this personal, powerful side of His nature to these followers?" Do think it was just to give them a charge? Or could it have been to inspire them to change? And what change was He after?

Good questions? I guess your answer depends on whether you want to change or not. Or, are you just following Jesus for the charge He can give you?

If you just want an emotional charge from following Jesus, He will not care to reveal Himself to you because He is after effective change in your life. If God has not revealed Himself to you lately, perhaps you should check your heart to honestly examine why you follow Him.

One way to recognize those who merely follow Jesus for the charge they can get is that they always go back - they live in the past to the place of the last revelation. When you hear them testify it is always something that happened "back then".

Notice, the disciples where led "up" not "back". They went to a new place with Jesus and got a new look at Him. Jesus wanted to increase their faith and take away their fear - including the fear of changing.

Let me ask you, when you look for a spiritual charge, do you go "back" or do you go "up"? What changes have happened in your life since the last time God revealed Himself to you? Are you walking closer to Him? Is your witness stronger and more effective? Is there joy in the work you do for Him?

Jesus only gives you a charge when He wants you to change! If you are following Him for the charges but unwilling to change, you will find yourself frustrated because God's job is to change you - not charge you up!