LISTEN TO HIM
Today's reading: Numbers 1-2, Mark 9:1-13, Psalm 47

"Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the top of a mountain. No one else was there. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus. Teacher, this is wonderful! Peter exclaimed. We will make three shrines--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. He didn't really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid. Then a cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." Mark 9:2-7 NLT

I get how Peter felt.

Overwhelmed. Amazed. Utter disbelief. Awe. Reverence. Emotional. Willing to do anything.

Absolutely anything!

Build shrines. Construct cathedrals. Change the world. Spread the Gospel. Bake cookies for the entire community of lepers. Serve even in the nursery.

I have had times when being in the Lord's presence has moved me so that I feel as if I could accomplish anything and everything.

But as the voice from the cloud said to Peter, and often to me, what God wants me to do is listen.

Not do. Not organize. Not form a committee. Not get out a new binder and begin collecting information that I can present in a meeting. Not form a new Bible study class. Not call a special prayer meeting. Not provide meals for the homeless from the few pantry staples I have in the cupboard.

Listen.

I can't even write the words, just listen, because if you are anything like me, there is no JUST listening for me.

Listening seems like I'm not doing anything. Listening feels like inactivity. Listening is hard, doing something is easy, listening is hard. Really hard.

But it's what He asks us to do sometimes.

Listen.