February 10. Matthew 17.

Neil Rondorf

The transfigured account has a lot of personal meaning for me. I am a bit like Peter - when I traveled a lot internationally and domestically it was a very emotional experience. I was anxious from leaving the house until I got through security. I was anxious about changing planes, I was anxious getting to transportation, I was anxious until I got to my hotel. Then I knew all the pieces were in place and I could relax and focus. I could focus and truly be grateful for all that had transpired. Looking back on that made me realize how much my emotions were in control and not my gratitude for Jesus and my relationship with God. Peter, rather than pay attention to the moment wants to erect “tabernacles/huts/tents” for the three. It says “while he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them. This is my Son…listen to Him” would seem to indicate that God interrupted Peter and got him to focus on listening. This is a common malady for today. Many of us are more focused on what we think and want to say than we are on listening and pondering what we hear. Social media today is all about responding to the post. Often not a healthy practice for our emotional and mental well being. Peter, the most impulsive of the disciples, gets it in the end. In both of his letters, he writes of discipline and self-control. I find the commentaries and notes define a need to inject symbologies into this scene. Being a simple man and remembering the three men are simple fishermen, I look at the fact that Jesus was made a man and had all the responses we all do. Is it possible that Jesus needed some encouragement? He needed it in the desert facing Satan. He needed it in the garden facing death. He also needed it in his daily engagements with man. He was able to talk with Moses (the law) who had challenges with his 12 tribes. He was able to talk with Elijah (the prophet) who had his challenges with the nation of Judah, the kings, religious leaders, etc. Jesus knows we need encouragement in our daily walks as well and is ready to provide it. We also need to be ready to give it to our fellow disciples.

Cheryl Rondorf

I (Cheryl) understand the father’s desperation to heal his child. One of our children had a great deal of trouble with emotional and behavioral issues growing up. From age five, to through the teen years, we took that child to doctors and experts trying to get help. We also prayed and sought much advice from the wise people around us. God protected that child from self harm and disastrous consequences and now is a productive member of society. But without Jesus in our lives...I shudder to think!
I wonder what the disciples were thinking when they were unsuccessful in driving out the demon? Were they relying on their own strength and power in front of the crowd? Jesus calls into question the quality of their faith. And so I ask myself, “How’s my quiet time with God? Do I seek His Word, hunger and thirst for it? Do I remember it throughout the day?” As disciples, we need to be prepared to face the challenges of life with a steady faith (God centered and not self centered) that is unshakeable!