Letting Jesus lead the way
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"Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone" (Matthew 17:1).
At just the right time, Jesus led Peter, James, and John up a mountain to be alone with him.
It was time for this inner circle of disciples to see Jesus for who he was in his essence and in his glory. Like the Good Shepherd he was and is, Jesus led his disciples up a high mountain.
Psalm 23, the Shepherd Psalm, tells us, "He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."
The right path for climbing a mountain is not straight up just as the right descent is not straight down. The right path winds around and across the ascent to manage energy.
Jesus led the way. He knew where he was going. He knew what was in store. He knew what he wanted these followers to experience.
The first thirteen verses of this chapter tell Jesus' self-revelation of his glory. Moses and Elijah were there. A bright cloud enveloped them and they heard the voice of God. Terror drove the disciples face down on the ground.
"Then Jesus came over and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid," (verse 7).
They saw only Jesus (verse 8).
It's just a guess, but they probably never thought of only Jesus when they saw him after that.
The last couple of months, especially the last month, have taken our family out of our ordinary rhythms. Thankfully, Jesus has not abandoned us. A new workweek begins shortly. I will ask Jesus to lead the way. I will follow. I want to go where he wants me to go. I want to see what he wants me to see. I want to be alone with him as often as possible.
Dear Jesus, my Shepherd, lead me in the right paths. I will follow you. I will go where you want me to go, see what you want me to see, and do what you want me to do. Amen.
 | David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More » |
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