Encouraged

Imagine that you know what is to come will be terrible to bear.  From where does your encouragement come?

Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.  - Luke 9:28-36

John paints a picture of Jesus that sounds like he is always in control, knowing what will happen to him, and yet pushing forward.

But here, we get a different perspective.

We know he takes time out to be alone and pray, so there is a hint that he is struggling with what he knows is coming.  He will be tortured, beaten and put to death in a horribly painful way.

So, he takes his closest disciples with him as he goes to pray for strength.

He did this after a long day, so they were all tired, but they stayed awake and experienced something unexpected and unbelievable.  God sent Moses and Elijah to comfort and encourage Jesus.  They spoke with him and gave him strength.

Then God spoke to let him and his disciples know He was with him.

The message I get from this is one for all of us when we need help and encouragement.  We need to go someplace quiet and pray.

And if we are not in need of courage and strength right now, there are those who are.  We can take a moment out and pray for them.

Maybe, if we pray hard enough, God will send his angels to transform a horrible situation into one that is bright and hopeful.

More to come...