in awe of God – Be Still…

Mark 9:2-13 – Transfiguration of Jesus

That was powerful! Jesus was glowing like the sun, and suddenly Moses and Elijah showed up, in person. I’m not surprised the disciples were afraid, left speechless. It would be like having the best dream ever. Not only was Jesus there, but Moses, the key figure in Exodus through Deuteronomy, often regarded as author of the first 5 books of the Bible. And Elijah was a very faithful prophet who God whisked away one day in a fiery chariot. Oh, the stories they could tell!

This whole experience is known as the “Transfiguration.” My Google dictionary defines transfiguration as “a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.” Jesus was already perfect, so what the disciples witnessed was a revelation of Jesus’ deeper identity. In that moment, the glory of the Lord shone all around. Jesus wasn’t hiding his majesty. He was transfigured long enough for the three chosen disciples to see. Continue reading “Mark 9:2-13 – Transfiguration of Jesus”

Matthew 28:1-4 – Into the Light

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.” (Matthew 28:1-4)

Happy Easter! We can celebrate Easter every day because we live in a world that knows a resurrected Savior. Getting to know Jesus is the best way we can spend our time in this life. Not knowing Jesus is only half living, and sadly, too many people don’t realize that. So Happy Resurrection Day, as we say in Mexico! Jesus lives! Hallelujah.

Context (Matthew 28:1-10): This is Matthew’s account of what happened when Jesus rose from the dead. Matthew puts the two Mary’s at the tomb. They are the messengers who tell the other disciples that Jesus is alive. Not only do they encounter an angel, but they receive a message from Jesus himself. Can you even imagine what these women must have been thinking or feeling? It might be a joyous disbelief, yet complete awe, reverence, and peace. Let yourself feel that exuberance as you reread the text. Continue reading “Matthew 28:1-4 – Into the Light”

2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings

Read 2 Chronicles 36:1-10

These final kings are summed up pretty quickly by the Chronicler. Being they weren’t “good” kings who followed the law and worshipped God, it makes sense this author would be brief.

Even more interesting is how these kings were chosen and the family dynamics that must have been going on during this 22+ year period. Let’s look at that and glean some wisdom on what the message is for us today. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings”

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 – Enjoy Life

Read Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

God wants us to enjoy life, not trudge through each day just going through the motions. We often set unrealistic expectations on ourselves for what we can accomplish in a day and end up feeling like we failed. Here we’re told that God has given us the work we are to do. What is that work for you?

If we’re focusing on what God wants, and we already know that his timing is perfect, then our day should go exactly like it should. If we are enjoying the life God has given us, living it to please him, then we have accomplished something very great. There are plenty of people who don’t have this connection to God and are not feeling fulfilled.

Zephaniah 1:7-13 – A Moment of Silence

Read Zephaniah 1:7-13

Zephaniah asserts that judgment day is coming soon, and he is not referring to the end times here but to a specific time in history yet to come for those first hearing his words. Zephaniah is not the only prophet talking about it either. God is using many “mouthpieces” to get the message out that he is not happy with his people.

It’s good to take a moment of silence in our own day to take an account of what’s going on in our lives. Do our actions glorify God or disappoint him? Do we see chaos, worry, doubt, thrill, busyness, fear, loneliness, great success, embarrassing failures? What is happening in your life right now? Is God part of the picture? If not, invite him in!