Thin Places
Opening Prayer
Lord God, You and You alone are Holy. I praise You and ask that You teach me more about Yourself today.
Read LUKE 9:28-36
[28] About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. [29] As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. [30] Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. [31] They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. [32] Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. [33] As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters-one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) [34] While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. [35] A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” [36] When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the subject of conversation during this event?Do you feel closer to God in some places than others? I’ve been up Mount Sinai and although it was beautiful, I didn’t feel close to God at all. Equally, you can feel close to God in the most unexpected places. In the Celtic tradition, places that give us an opening into the magnificence and wonder of God are called “thin places.”
This mountain top was certainly a thin place and Peter wanted to mark the moment and stay there in the holy space (33). What was most crucial is that God spoke, repeating the words from Jesus’ baptism (34,35). Peter’s belief that Jesus is the Messiah (20) is confirmed. The most important thing for the team to do now is to decide how they will react to what they now know. For the moment, they are keeping quiet (36).
How does God normally guide you? Is it through what you see, dreams, what people say, what you read in the Bible? Are there places or times when you experience guidance more clearly? God may not guide you with a transfiguration experience, but if you’re open, he will guide you.
Apply
What needs to happen next in your life? What will you do with what God has shown you? Consider that as you pray.
Closing prayer
Lord, You’ve taught me much and I have much more to learn, but show me how to use what I already know.
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