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In Luke Chapter 9 at verse 28, we read of Jesus Christ taking Peter, James, and John, up onto a mountain to pray. It is as if these three men were closer to Christ than the others - able to take more than the others. You can come as close to Jesus Christ as you want to.

As Jesus prayed HE was transformed and transfigured – His clothes are white and shining - the light of the world had never shone brighter. Moses and Elijah appeared. This was a serious moment. They are speaking about His EXODUS.

Moses knew all about EXODUS - leading people out of slavery into freedom. Soon Jesus was to open the door and lead men out of the slavery of SIN. Jesus takes these three men behind the scenes - to see things as they really are. The cross was not defeat - it was an EXODUS.

Peter was so blessed he wanted to remain there on the mountain. We can want to remain in the place of blessing. No, not when there is a waiting world.

We need mountain top experiences which can be exhilarating, and seasons of service and work which can be exhausting and draining. It is like a pendulum. We have good weeks and not so good weeks, but that is what keeps things moving along, like the pendulum of the clock. That is how we progress, grow and mature in the Christian Life.

A cloud overshadows the group and a voice speaks. I am pleased with what He is doing - preaching - healing - training you men - but listen to Him - He is saying something about the Cross - about suffering and service.

Jesus knew who He was, and knew what was going to happen, and Jesus trusted the Father to raise Him up. The Father would see Him through.

Peter never forgot that day – we read about it in his second letter - 2 Peter 1 : verses 17,18. Remember whatever mighty experiences God gives you and learn from them.

Verse 37. NEXT DAY! They come down with a very real bump. Many are waiting.

In the middle of this large crowd a man shouted out - I beg you - look at my son, my only child - seizes - tears - foams - bruised - destroyed - strong words. It is good when a father brings his son to Jesus. The disciples had not been able to minister to the boy effectively. An only son is being tormented.

Jesus is disappointed with that generation of people. They were so unbelieving and perverse. They were so difficult. They would not believe. And Jesus is so tender where there is a need. "Bring your son here." As the boy was coming forward the demon threw him to the ground. Jesus rebuked the evil spirit - healed the boy - and gave him back to his father. This is dramatic - ugly - tragic - fast - over and done with - not drawn out.

Verse 43. All who watched were amazed. While the crowd are amazed and wondering at just what was happening, Jesus was busy teaching and training His disciples.

Verse 44. Let these things I am saying to you sink down deeper than your ears, but into your hearts and minds. It is interesting how often Jesus tells people to pay attention and really listen. And, Jesus gave them teaching which they were not as yet ready to take in. They did not have a clue as to what Jesus was meaning. That is not all that important at times - the seed is being sown -it will all spring into place later on.

Now after all this the disciples have an argument! At such a time they wanted to know which of them was going to be the greatest! It is almost unbelievable - to watch these men squabbling.

After their failure to minister, they are still so concerned about SELF and POSITION. This is PRIDE. Jesus had taught them to deny themselves, but do not be overly hard on them - there was nothing which could be done until after Calvary.

Jesus takes a child and teaches them to childlike - not childish - but like a child who will trust the Father. Over these next days trust God the Father in a childlike way. It is not always an easy thing to do but it will certainly please the Father and you will enjoy such a rewarding blessing. Try it - in some new dimension.

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

Storms Of Life