Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 2; Deuteronomy 6:1-15; Matthew 17:1-13; Acts 2:37-42; Psalm 99
Nearly all of us who arrive at a place of faith get there because of the work of someone who has come before us. For some, it might have been a Sunday school or Vacation Bible school teacher who connected with us when we were very young. For others, it might have been a friend or neighbor who embodied God’s love and acceptance for us. For still others, it might have been a respected co-worker or colleague who one day shared with us over coffee or a meal the foundational part of their life. For me, that individual was my mother. She was a quiet individual who modeled for me each day what a life of faith looked like. She taught me lots of important lessons like “It’s not what you say that defines your faith; it’s how you act that defines your faith”. It’s those people that come before us that help prepare the way for our lives and our ministries. This is even true for Jesus. For in today’s Gospel passage, we hear the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. Immediately after that experience, the disciples ask Jesus why the scholars of their day said someone had to come before Jesus. Jesus hears that question and answers almost matter of factly by saying (and I’m paraphrasing here using my own words), “Of course someone has to come first. The person comes first in order to get things ready”. Unfortunately, Jesus adds, people rarely recognize those pioneering folks who come first and get things ready. Jesus’ words opened their eyes and enabled them to recognize the one who had come to get things ready for Jesus – John. Today, I would ask you, “Do you recognize the one (or ones) that came before you to pave your way?” Take a few moments today to recognize those individuals who have played such a role in your life. Then give thanks for the way their preparatory work enabled you to embrace your faith. Til next time…
Nearly all of us who arrive at a place of faith get there because of the work of someone who has come before us. For some, it might have been a Sunday school or Vacation Bible school teacher who connected with us when we were very young. For others, it might have been a friend or neighbor who embodied God’s love and acceptance for us. For still others, it might have been a respected co-worker or colleague who one day shared with us over coffee or a meal the foundational part of their life. For me, that individual was my mother. She was a quiet individual who modeled for me each day what a life of faith looked like. She taught me lots of important lessons like “It’s not what you say that defines your faith; it’s how you act that defines your faith”. It’s those people that come before us that help prepare the way for our lives and our ministries. This is even true for Jesus. For in today’s Gospel passage, we hear the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. Immediately after that experience, the disciples ask Jesus why the scholars of their day said someone had to come before Jesus. Jesus hears that question and answers almost matter of factly by saying (and I’m paraphrasing here using my own words), “Of course someone has to come first. The person comes first in order to get things ready”. Unfortunately, Jesus adds, people rarely recognize those pioneering folks who come first and get things ready. Jesus’ words opened their eyes and enabled them to recognize the one who had come to get things ready for Jesus – John. Today, I would ask you, “Do you recognize the one (or ones) that came before you to pave your way?” Take a few moments today to recognize those individuals who have played such a role in your life. Then give thanks for the way their preparatory work enabled you to embrace your faith. Til next time…
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