Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
(Matthew 17:5-7 NIV)
While he [Peter] 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!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid."
Jesus was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah when Peter began telling Jesus how great it was to be there, etc. Suddenly, God butts in a very direct way --- and the disciples were terrified! Who wouldn't be?! But then Jesus comes to them, and reassures them. Seems kind of contradictory --- kinda like God is the bad cop, Jesus is the good cop.
After a little thought, though, I don't think that's the case at all. Sometimes my oldest son will be running around doing boy things --- sometimes jabbering quite loudly --- and I'll "butt in." My butting in always carries a very direct command. Sometimes he cries (not quite "terrified" like the disciples ....), but I gently reassure him that Daddy loves him, but that Daddy means business and he must obey.
Since God is our Father, I think this, in part, may have been what was going on here.
While he [Peter] 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!" [6] When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. [7] But Jesus came and touched them, "Get up," He said. "Don't be afraid."
Jesus was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah when Peter began telling Jesus how great it was to be there, etc. Suddenly, God butts in a very direct way --- and the disciples were terrified! Who wouldn't be?! But then Jesus comes to them, and reassures them. Seems kind of contradictory --- kinda like God is the bad cop, Jesus is the good cop.
After a little thought, though, I don't think that's the case at all. Sometimes my oldest son will be running around doing boy things --- sometimes jabbering quite loudly --- and I'll "butt in." My butting in always carries a very direct command. Sometimes he cries (not quite "terrified" like the disciples ....), but I gently reassure him that Daddy loves him, but that Daddy means business and he must obey.
Since God is our Father, I think this, in part, may have been what was going on here.
# posted by jono : 8:25 AM
