And I Thought Yesterday Was Bold

Luke 9:28-43a

Yesterday I lamented on how words to describe what I was thinking escaped me. After reading today's passage I don't even know what to think. Let's try our best to follow the events as described in the reading to see if anything comes to mind. First, Jesus and 3 of his disciples are going up a mountain to pray. Okay, mountaintop moment coming, check.

Second, Jesus starts to shine while praying and the figures of Moses and Elijah appear out of nowhere and the disciples want to build tents. We should take note here that the disciples were very tired but were not yet sleeping, therefore they saw what was going on. Hmmm, witnesses to a great event and passion to do something about it, check.

The disciples get excited about building tents for the figures but their plans are foiled by a dark cloud and an ominous voice. Let's put this down as divine intervention, check. So far I'm doing okay. We have the makings of a great story; mountaintop moment, excitement and a fire of passion to do God's work, uhoh, maybe it's not quite the right thing. This line of thinking would be followed by an explanation of might be the right thing, or a sermon on proper motives.

But, and oh what a but, the lectionary continues on and gives us a story which does not take place on a mountaintop but still involves passion and witnesses, the only difference being that the passion is anger and the witnesses are seemingly inactive, albeit in awe. In fact, and here's the bold part, Jesus is heard saying, "you idiots, argh, really?! This is getting old!" (I hope you know that was a paraphrase) as he heals the boy while people stand around in astonishment.

Interesting...Jesus heals the boy anyway, regardless of his personal feelings. And it's in that act I see our thought for today. No matter what, no matter why, no matter who, we are Christians and sometimes must find a way to put our selves aside and do the work of God solely for God's glory.

Today, look for moments of boldness, moments when you can shine, and do the work of God, just as Christ did, so that the glory of God can be known.