Bible reading
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white … suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” (Matthew 17. 1 - 9)
Meditation
We all need affirmation in order to continue to do what we do and this story has Jesus receiving affirmation from God, his Father, close to the end of his ministry in just the same words as were used at the beginning of his ministry; "This is my own dear Son with whom I am pleased."
Jesus was shortly to knowingly endure the cross. In the preceding verses to this passage he tells his disciples: "I must go to Jerusalem and suffer much from the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the Law. I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life." So, we can well imagine that Jesus needed this affirmation from his Father, just as much as his disciples needed to hear it for their future understanding.
Are there people whose work you could affirm this week? Do you know of people facing particularly difficult challenges and circumstances that you could encourage? Perhaps there are some to whom you have given encouragement in the past, maybe even helped into their current direction, who would appreciate a call or a conversation to sustain them this week.
Finally, God also wishes to call you his child and affirm you in your ministry; which is your work! Are you open to that prospect?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, scripture speaks of you as the sustainer of all things and yet you, yourself, required affirmation in your ministry. We thank you for your example of the importance and necessity of affirmation. May we put that lesson into practice within our lives and work.
May we know your pleasure with the way we work and may we share your affirmation with others.
Holy Spirit, you give each of us gifts and talents for the benefit of others. Affirm us today in the gifts and talents we possess and guide us in knowing how best to use them to the benefit of others.
May we know your pleasure with the way we work and may we share your affirmation with others.
Heavenly Father, you affirmed Jesus in his ministry just before he entered challenging circumstances. Guide us to see those around us in our workplaces who need our affirmation and support this week.
May we know your pleasure with the way we work and may we share your affirmation with others.
Holy God, assure us know that we are your beloved children. As we receive your love and affirmation now, enable us to relax knowing that we are in your hands and in your love throughout our lives, including our working lives.
May we know your pleasure with the way we work and may we share your affirmation with others.
Blessing
Lord Jesus, scripture speaks of you as the sustainer of all things and yet you, yourself, required affirmation in your ministry. Encourage us this week with your affirmation of our ministry in and through our work and enable us to share your affirmation with others. May those blessings of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, rest upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James MacMillan - O Radiant Dawn.
No comments:
Post a Comment