MATTHEW 17:5-8

He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

TO PONDER:

'What just happened?' Have you ever had one of those moments where you woke up and wondered 'what just happened?' You wake up the day after you're married and wonder, "what just happened?" You hold your child in your hands for the first time and wonder "what just happened"? You experience or witness an event either good or bad that leaves you speechless and asking, "what just happened"?

I imagine Peter, James and John were asking themselves that very question after their experience on the Mount of Transfiguration. In a short space of time, they had heard Jesus tell them that he must suffer and die, that they must follow him on the way of the cross, and then they are given a vision of Jesus that is so glorious, so wonderful that leaves James and John speechless and Peter scrambling for something to say.

What these disciples were given was a gift for the changes that lie ahead; a gift for when they were frightened and struggling to understand. A gift when moments of life were too great for them. A gift when things when change in life was too overwhelming for them. A gift when the noise of the world and the voices of the world confuse us and demand from us.

The gift? The voice of Jesus that speaks more powerfully and gloriously in the midst of changing moments. "Listen to him", God says. His voice is one of hope. His voice is one of life. His voice is one of clarity. His voice is one of healing. His voice is full of love and compassion. His voice gives courage in the midst of things that are overwhelming, confusing, mind boggling and which cause us to say or think, "What just happened?"

"Rise, do not fear" - Jesus says. In every change, in every confusion, in every challenge, rise. Take the first step, the next step with courage as you listen to me. Where do you need to hear that word today?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, in every moment of change, give me courage to rise and take the next step with you. Amen.

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