May 14–what a Beautiful Day

 Good Tuesday morning! Yesterday was such a gorgeous day, I kept singing Vestal Goodman’s “What a Beautiful Day for the Lord to Come Again.” All day, the thoughts of the second coming of Christ filled my mind. And then, last night we had all sorts of storms—lots of loud thunder and heavy winds. I thought about those next verses in Matthew. 


“He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."...And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead."”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:5-7, 9‬ ‭ESV


When the voice of God totally freaks out Peter, James and John, Jesus tells them to not be afraid. He is there, calming and protecting them. Just like He does for us today—protecting, calming and caring for us through the storms and troubles and awfulness of this life. But He’s also there in the good times, gently guiding and leading. 


“Listen to Him!” What a remarkable thing for God to say about Jesus. The Greek root actually means to obey. So God was t just telling them to passively listen, but as we might say, listen and obey. Listen and do what He says. 


I take pause when Jesus tells them not to tell anyone about this yet. It seems He is telling them that without the resurrection, none of it matters. Without it, it’s just something that He is able to do because He is God. It takes Calvary to give meaning to what happened on that beautiful day on the mountain. And for us, because of the great sacrifice of Christ, everyday is that beautiful day for Him to come again, even if it’s a stormy night. 


Dear Jesus, thank you for Calvary and for loving us so much you took on death and won. You have claimed the victory for us so that we might live. Thank you for your promise to return for us. We praise you and give you the glory due to you, our only great King. Help us to remember to listen and obey and to always look to the sky for your return. You are our Protector and Lord, and we work as your hands and feet as wait for you to come to take us home. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam

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