Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

God is in the peanut butter

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Luke 9:28-36
Jesus took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory ... there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone.

And the disciples kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

Travel upward, oh my soul, give me just a glimpse of God. Out of the clouds above our grounded earth rise Truth and Mercy, sitting on twin thrones, surrounded by angels and demons. Jesus is holding court, and I am in the crowded castle.

It's hard to stand on two feet in thin air. Any air. All those "on Christ the solid rock I stand"-songs don't come to mind. No anchor, no foundation, no place to start from ... I tell myself to just let it happen and let God be in charge.

Peter had trouble with this. I do too, of course. Soul travel appeals to me, but so does keeping my feet on the ground. I am hoping for epiphany and spiritual transport while I count on clothes and gasoline and peanut butter when I get up in the morning.

So how can I prepare for God's visitation? Maybe that's the wrong question. Should I expect God to give me even an annual glimpse into eternity? Maybe every ten years? Maybe once in my lifetime?

Does God even exist? It's easy to attribute epiphany to indigestion. There may be nothing behind the lip of our collective cerebral cortex that counts as "real." Should I take a chance here, and wait for what might never come? What might not even be?

One truth I have settled on: in the words of Rich Mullins, "I did not make it, no it is making me" ( his song Creed). I'm not in charge. However, God gives me the impression that I'm not just along for the ride ... that the ride is made for me. Hold onto the reins, just don't hold on too tight. Let the horse do the work. Let him take you into and out of the clouds, into and out, into and out.

It's your job, Jack, to ride the horse God gives you. All the days of your life.

One thing I ask of you, Lord, one thing I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon your beauty and seek you in your temple. Hear my voice, O Lord: be merciful and answer me. When you said, "Seek ye my face," my heart says unto thee, "Thy face, Lord, I will seek." --- Psalm 27

Devotions Archive

God is in the peanut butter

Sunday, February 28, 2010