Human beings have strong impulses to maintain pleasure and avoid pain. Peter is a human being. As a part of the electrifying, life-changing public ministry of Jesus, Peter has been on a high. And then, when Jesus begins to talk of his impending suffering and death, Peter enters a state...

Jesus, strengthen me to follow wherever you lead. I know that in rejoicing and suffering, in life and death, God is with me. Amen.


1 Comment
Log In to leave a comment
Lectionary Week
February 5–11, 2024
Scripture Overview

In the week leading to Transfiguration Sunday, the texts all deal with holy, transforming light; but they also speak to the awkwardness of waiting for and finally experiencing that light. Elisha’s is a stop-and-go pilgrimage before he sees the chariots of fire. The psalmist proclaims the march of the sun across the sky while also waiting for the eschatological arrival of God’s justice for God’s people. Paul empathizes with the believers in Corinth who are having to wait and work to “give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.” Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain where they wait and are terrified by the cloud of glory that overshadows them.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 2 Kings 2:1-12. Think of a time when you waited for a blessing from God. How did the waiting feel? How did you experience the blessing when it came?
Read Psalm 50:1-6. What helps you to be aware of God’s presence with you from “the rising of the sun to its setting” each day?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-6. What are the areas of your life where God is shining a light? Are there any areas where you need God’s light, or may not see God’s light?
Read Mark 9:2-9. Identify a spiritual “mountaintop experience” you have had. What was the lasting impact of that experience on your life as a follower of Christ?

Respond by posting a prayer.