Jesus, James, John, and Peter head up a mountain alone. While on top of the mountain, something amazing happens, but as usual Peter misses the point and says something foolish...or did he?
Our scripture lesson, came from Mark 9:2-9 and is the story of the transfiguration (big word for change), where Jesus began to glow, Moses and Elijah appeared, and a voice from heaven identified Jesus as God's son. The "foolish" thing that Peter said, was suggesting that maybe they stay up on the mountain and that he build shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Usually sermons flow in the direction of pointing out that just like Peter, we as Christians cannot stay on the mountain forever, but instead need to go back down into the world and share what we have received.
I gave this passage quite a bit of thought this year, and decided that although the usual message encouraging people to get out into the world and spread the good news (through word and deed) is important, that possibly a different message is necessary for 21st century Christians. Many of us will acknowledge that we live busy lives, and so instead of ridiculing Peter, I suggested that we need to be more like him. We could learn from his example, and be willing to stay up on the mountain for a moment longer. Many of us, actually never reach the top of the mountain, but instead get within sight of the top and decide we have to run down and tell everyone about it. The result is that when we begin to tell people about Jesus, we have very little to say.
Perhaps a story from my recent family vacation will be helpful:
We spent some time in Ithaca, and did several things that were new to my daughters. We had Thai food, we went to the Science Center, we used a GPS, and the big treat was to be ice skating. Days before we built it up by telling the girls "in two days we'll be going ice skating" and then "in one day we'll be going ice skating" and finally "today we're going ice skating!" Emily (our 3 year old) was especially excited. When we arrived at the skating rink and walked inside, she asked "are we ice skating now?" Then when we got our skates she asked "are we ice skating now?" She was so eager, but we kept telling her "not yet...soon we'll be ice skating." Just before getting on the ice, we all sat down on a bench, and Emily remarked "ice skating was fun! Let's go home so I can tell all my friends!" We couldn't help but laugh, and had to assure her that we had yet to ice skate, and that it would be even better than walking to the edge of the rink.
This little story demonstrates quite well how many Christians act toward their faith. Many of us are so excited to experience Jesus, to have a mountain top experience, but just before we get a real glimpse of Christ, we turn and run home so we can tell everyone. Or worse we turn and run home because he have a cake in the oven, or a deadline to meet, or kids to pick up from soccer practice, or any one of the 8 million tasks we seemingly undertake all at once.
It was funny to hear my 3 year old wanting to go and tell her friends about ice skating before she even got on the ice, it's just as funny to hear Christians wanting to tell others about their faith before they ever take the time to meet Jesus. We are entering into the season of Lent. It's a time to prepare yourself, and strengthen your relationship with God. Therefore I'm suggesting that everyone give up 10 minutes of sleep. Either go to bed 10 minutes later, or get up 10 minutes earlier, but spend that time in prayer or studying your bible. Take a cue from Peter, be willing to linger just a moment longer on top of that mountain.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
No comments:
Post a Comment