DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Adding Jesus In?
by Pr. Dave Mann
Sometimes working with internationals from other cultures gives me fresh eyes to look at my culture, and my need for repentance. For example, people from a Hindu culture have many idols and gods. When they hear about Jesus and his compassionate miracles of the sick and oppressed... When they hear his witty and yet profound teachings... Even when they hear about his self-sacrifice on the cross and his glorious resurrection, they very easily acclaim him as divine. They can quickly add him to a collection of gods, even putting him on the top shelf with other divinities. They honor him as worthy of worship, along with those they already have.
In essence, this was what Peter, James, and John were doing with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. They were amazed at what they saw – Jesus gleaming brightly in very white clothing. It was astounding; they had never seen anything like this before. At a loss for words, Peter responded in the best way he could. He proposed that they build three tabernacles on the mountain to commemorate this extraordinary event. He wanted to add Jesus to the top shelf of the great religious leaders that they already were honoring. He proposed that they add Jesus to the top tier along with Moses and Elijah. But the voice from heaven gave a clear corrective, “This is my Son whom I love. Listen to HIM!” And then in an instant, they looked about, and they saw Jesus only.
I may think of a Hindu friend, and even about the three disciples, “How mistaken they were to add Jesus to the top shelf of other prophets, teachers, and even gods. They should have known better.” But then I wonder if I, or dare I say we, are in the same predicament. Do I simply, but mistakenly, add Jesus to other priorities in my life – financial considerations, my reputation, my preferred religious practices, my security, and my station in life? Yes, those things and others could be the gods before which I bow down in worship. Do I listen to their voices and make life decisions based on what they tell me? Am I just adding Jesus to the pantheon of priorities that I already have?
Or, does Jesus have the sole voice of authority in my life? I need to listen to that ONE voice -- “This is my Son whom I love. Listen to HIM!” -- and I then look around and see Jesus only.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, sadly I look around and see many tents that I have erected in honor of the various things in my life whose voices I hear and follow. From my bent knee, may I in repentance look around with clear resolve to listen to the only beloved Son of the Father, and follow you and you alone, even my one and only Savior, Amen.
