IV. The Applause of Heaven (vv. 22, 23, 26)

For some Christians, there is nothing worse than being stereotyped or labeled because of their convictions. So they leave their faith at the front door of their office building, golf shop or school yard. By doing this, they believe they can avoid the criticism and scrutiny of their peers.

I remember the story of a young man who had recently become a Christian. As summer approached, his pastor asked what his plans were. The young man said that he would be gone all summer working on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. In an effort to prepare the young man for the opposition he would face by the other workers, the pastor warned, "Be on your guard. As soon as they find out you're a Christian, they will constantly harass you and pick on you." In a few months when the young man returned, the pastor asked him how it went. "Oh, everything was fine," the young man replied, "they never figured out I was a Christian!"

Do your friends, co-workers or classmates know you're a Christian? Or do you hide it from them in order to protect your status and avoid rejection. Jesus plainly states that people will hate you and reject you for your faith. Those Christians who hide their light seek the approval of man. Those who let it shine will receive the applause of heaven.

The next time someone approaches you about a legitimate need, don't just offer a cliche. Instead, listen attentively. Validate their concerns by explaining that Jesus understands their plight. Let them know that He will work through the situation. (Craig Christina)

Epiphany Last Transfiguration (C)

Sunday, February 22, 1998

Coming Down the Mountain

Luke 9:28-36

When was the last time you had a mountain top experience? For Christians, the best high life has to offer is a spiritual high. Maybe it happens at youth camp, during a church revival, or when God has answered a prayer. But anyone will tell you that a spiritual mountain top experience is one of God's greatest blessings.

Unfortunately, along with the mountain top comes the valley. Life is not just one high after another, it is full of challenging obstacles that must be overcome. So the key is to use the highs in order to be equipped to handle whatever lies ahead.

Jesus knew this truth better than anyone. Because He was God in the flesh, He could foresee what was coming around the bend and he knew that He had to be prepared to fulfill God's will and mission for his life. In fact, this pericope is book-ended by Jesus' admonition that the suffering of the cross awaited just beyond the horizon (cf. Luke 9:21-22; 44-45). By following His example, we may also learn to use the mountain to overcome the valley.

I. Take Time to Pray

Jesus always took time to pray. He prayed to overcome temptation in the desert (Matt. 4:2), he prayed before He chose the twelve disciples (Luke 6:12), he prayed before He did miracles (John 11:41-42), and he taught his disciples to pray (Matt. 6:5-15). It was "as he was praying" that Moses and Elijah appeared to talk with Jesus about His coming crucifixion (v. 29).