PrintIn my last entry (click here) I reflected upon my own need of a fresh revelation of God, like the one that changed my life and ministry many years ago. In that last entry I concluded with these words:
But that was then. This is now. Why can't then be now? What happened between then and now?
As I ponder that question about my own life, I wonder if Peter or James or John ever asked themselves the same question as they reflected on their experience on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17).
Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter blurted out, "Lord, this is wonderful! If you want me to, I'll make three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."(Matt 17:1-4 NLT)
This experience had to be the closest they ever came to heaven on earth. There they were with Jesus, Moses and Elijah. No interruptions! God was speaking in an audible voice. It just doesn't get any better than that!
It's obvious that Peter wanted to capture this miraculous moment, this incredible divine visitation and stay in that place forever. And who can blame him? These mountain top experiences are rare enough. But the reality of ministry awaited them back down the mountain in the form of a father whose son was demonized.
They could stay aloof from those needs and remain in their little "spiritual ghetto" up on the mountain or they could return to the opportunities to minister in the Name of Jesus of Nazareth.
However, there is a cost involved in ministry that many do not understand. Most often the price comes in the diminishing of energy and the emergence of a legalistic, rule-dominated list of expectations. Ever so slowly, that 'romantic energy' reverts to become a loveless commitment. This commitment may be strong. It may be faithful. It may be dependable. It may be trustworthy. But it is always loveless.
It's like the Church at Ephesus.
"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!Look how far you have fallen from your first love!(Rev2/2-5 NLT)
As I read this letter, brief as it is, it seems to me that Jesus acknowledges gratefully their hard work and patient endurance. But what He most seeks and fails to find is the kind of love they once had for Him.
My mind goes back to Peter and that episode recorded in John 21 when Jesus asked Peter three times, "Peter, do you love me?" Three times. This is the real issue in discipleship. Not what we do but do we love.
So, where does that leave me in this "love relationship" with God? Maybe the answer can be found by looking at my relationship with Bev?
I need to re-visit this issue again in my next log entry.
