“A cloud appeared and overshadowed them, and a voice came from the cloud, proclaiming: ‘This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!’ (Mark 9:7*).
The flight attendant on our plane was starting to get frustrated. She was explaining the emergency safety procedures, but many of us either ignored her or were engaged in other conversations. Finally, she raised her voice and stated with authority:
- Listen! This could save your life!
Her command surprised and embarrassed me, but it caught my attention and I began to listen as if my life depended on it.
Peter, James, and John surely had their own ideas about who Christ was and what He meant to them—ideas that limited their ability to listen to Him anew. During the Transfiguration, the Lord Jesus changed their perceptions.
My own ideas about Scripture often prevent me from hearing what could be a life-changing truth. When I read familiar passages, I assume I already know the message and my mind tends to wander when I hear unfamiliar words. Every Sunday, our preacher encourages us to listen to God’s word, but I admit I don’t always listen as if it’s for the first time. However, the words of the flight attendant revealed my disregard and taught me to listen to God’s word as if my life depends on it. And surely, it does.
Link to the original article: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2023-06-25
*Bible quotes are from the Bible, New Translation from the Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013