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Pay Attention & Get It Right
John TiltonLuke 9:28-33
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and Jameswith him and went up onto a mountain to pray.29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.30Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.31They spoke about his departure,[a]which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.32Peter and his companions were very sleepy,but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.33As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master,it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)
What an honor for Peter, John and James to be asked to accompany Jesus up onto the mountain to pray. One would think that they had anticipated something of significance to take place. Yet, they were very sleepy and had to become fully awake to see Jesus transfiguration. Peter than misinterprets what is taking place and wants to place Moses and Elijah at the level of Jesus. It would seem that if we were asked to go and accompany our leader, boss or honored person for something of significance; we would really try to pay attention, and be totally attentive and at our best. We would also want to know and understand the position and authority of our leader, boss or honored person in honor, and so as not to put our foot in our mouth in giving honor, even if it was all with good intentions.
It is my intent that as I go about life, work and ministry, that I am not lacking in my attention span to what is going on spiritually around me; and especially if Jesus is moving here in the church and in our work. Sometimes, I know that I can get so immersed in the task, that I may miss and not be attentive to what God is doing, asking of me, and what is taking place spiritually. May my multi-tasking not consume and blind me to what is going on and that would require my full attention. Furthermore, may I keep Jesus at the highest pinnacle in my life and relationship with Him, and not let anyone or anything get in the way or take precedence; less I like Peter not place Jesus above all.
Dear Lord, in these real busy times, guide me that I may prioritize what is on my plate, get the rest and Sabbath I need, in order to be fully attentive to what I am called to do, what you are doing in my life and around me. May I not get consumed in the task and miss your presence. May my prayers be intentional and sincere to be able to hear you and see you move in your amazing ways. May I always give you honor in placing you above all in my relationship with you, spending more time with you in the Word and prayer. May I pay attention and get it right!
