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New Book Release: Praying Their Way
Help kids develop an authentic relationship with God. Children have a natural curiosity about God and Read More
Bethany Barnett | Read Matthew 17:1-9
“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” These are the words God says to confirm Jesus’ identity at his baptism in Matthew 3:17. After Jesus is baptized, Matthew says that he is driven into the wilderness to fast and overcome temptation. When he returns, Jesus...
God, you are my teacher. Help me listen to you so that I can be transformed in your love. Thank you for the instruction you have given me through Jesus, the Word made flesh. Amen.
A cloud, not dark, but burning like fire settles atop Mount Sinai: This is the Word of the Lord. In the unmediated presence of God, we cannot help but be utterly transformed by the experience. Jesus, even the one who is himself divine, begins to glow when God shows up in person. The author of 2 Peter recalls this mountaintop experience, and the psalm praises the tradition of anointed ones. We must also be transformed by the bright, life-changing appearance of God. When we see the light of God shining in a dark place, some of us run in fear, others tremble unable to move, still others stand in awe of God’s glory. The same God who transformed Jesus Christ is at work in us. We will never be the same.
Read Exodus 24:12-18. Read slowly, paying attention to all five senses. What do you think Moses saw, touched, smelled, and tasted?
Read Psalm 2. When have you seen people in power do something antithetical to the will or character of God? What is this psalm’s response to that action?
Read Matthew 17:1-9. What would it be like to stand in the full presence of God? What would God tell you?
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21. What is God doing in your life to transform your heart? What can you do to accept God’s work in your life?
Respond by posting a prayer.
