The View from the Mountain (1)

“JESUS TOOK…PETER, JAMES AND JOHN…UP A HIGH MOUNTAIN.” MATTHEW 17:1 NIV

Notice three things:

(1) Not everybody gets to go up to the mountain. Jesus picked the three who went. He didn’t take everybody so nobody would feel slighted. And He didn’t explain or apologize to the other disciples who stayed at ground level. God loves us all equally but He doesn’t give us all the same assignment or experiences with Him. God makes the call, not us, so trust Him. He knows what He’s doing.

(2) Those who go up the mountain aren’t necessarily wiser or more spiritual. After seeing Jesus enveloped in the glow of God’s glory, Peter blurted out, “Let’s build three tabernacles and stay here.” Peter was sincere, but he was sincerely wrong. Resist the temptation to speak instead of waiting to hear what God has to say, or to build your ministry around an experience you’ve had with God that’s designed to equip you personally, not become the theme and emphasis of your life.

(3) God’ plan is to feature Jesus, not you. And it’s a lesson we keep having to learn over and over. “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’…When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus” (Mt 17:5-8 NIV).

The greatest challenge in your life is getting to the place where you focus on “no one except Jesus.” The most important relationship you have is with Him. The only plan that will work out right is the one He gives you. And the power needed to fulfill that plan comes from Him alone.