“And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only” (Matt. 17:8, ESV).
Growing up, it felt like I was always at church. I was there on Sunday for worship and Sunday school, on Wednesday for weekday school, and often after school with my grandma when she was cooking in the church kitchen for an organization. Looking back, while it felt like I was always there, I realize now how much of my life was spent elsewhere, with the demands of family, school, and activities. Reflecting on my own life today, even as a pastor, the demands of the world constantly pull me away from church. I’m sure all of us know the struggle of being in church while our minds wander to the many concerns and responsibilities of life in the world.
In many of our churches, we will be celebrating the Transfiguration of our Lord this weekend. A great many of us, I suspect, will sing this stanza from ’Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here: “But since Thou bidst us leave the mount, Come with us to the plain.” Despite our best efforts, our wishes, and our willpower, we cannot always remain on the mountaintop. The Transfiguration of our Lord reminds us that Jesus knew this. Jesus knew what His disciples would face. Jesus knows what we have faced and what we will face as we live and serve in His kingdom.
“Jesus only” is the only way for us to live out our lives on the plain. Jesus only is what we receive as we come weekly to the Divine Service. Jesus only is what we receive in Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Jesus only is what we receive as we read and hear God’s holy Word.
May the Lord who reveals His glory on the mount and walks with us in the valley grant you rest, clarity, and faith as you serve in His name. Amen.
Prayer – Lord Jesus Christ, when our eyes are distracted and our hearts are burdened, lift our gaze to see You only. As we serve on the plain, keep us anchored in Your Word and Sacraments, where You give Yourself fully for us. Grant us faith to rest in You alone, for You are our glory, our strength, and our peace. Amen.
In Christ,
Rev. Samuel M. Powell
Third Vice President, Missouri District