The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Mark 9:1-6, “And Jesus was saying to them, ‘Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.’
2 Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
4 Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.
5 Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’
6 For he did not know what to answer, for they became terrified.
7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud,
‘This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!’”

Have you ever found yourself in the presence of some distinguished people, but clearly lacked the ability to contribute anything of value to their conversation? Well, I have; and what was more, I lacked the good sense to just listen and refrain from contributing anything! My feeble contribution was received for what it was worth; and I was left standing alone, embarrassed, and with no way out. In this manner only could I ever claim a relationship to Simon Peter.

Notice too that James and John, who were known as “the sons of thunder,” were entirely quiet throughout the conversation. Ultimately, the voice of the LORD broke through the heavens with exactly what was needed to be said, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!”

The presence of Christ involved in that august gathering called forth that which was primary. Jesus’ instructions are always primary! Why, then, do we manufacture sub-standard stuff and inject it into His plan instead of simply saying, “LORD, what will You have us do?” Possibly, we are frightened over what we believe He will say. Yet, are we afraid of His inevitable plan. Do we believe that He will allow the plan to hurt or consume us? Do we believe His plan to somehow be inferior?

Whatever Elijah was saying to Jesus was forever interrupted. Possibly, Elijah had a plan. Nothing, however, could have overshadowed the plan the LORD Himself could set forth. Thus, whatever we think…however much we would like to be included…we simply need to “be still and know that (Jesus) is God.” Our ways are
not His ways; and His ways are always superior.

“Heavenly Father, make us willing to cease resisting
Your Plan, and to know that with You, all things are well. Amen.”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom