It Is Good To Be Here – Week of February 24, 2020

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

Matthew 17:1-4a

There are times in a person’s life when you can’t help but think, “Wow, it’s good to be here!” Perhaps it’s being awestruck by the beauty and grandness of a national park. It might be hearing musicians performing glorious music. Maybe, after having a long hard day, it’s hearing a loved one whisper, “I love you.” God blesses us with moments of pure joy.

Peter, James, and John had such a moment. Jesus gave them a foretaste of heaven when he showed them his glorified body and spoke with Moses and Elijah on that day of transfiguration. The disciples knew they were getting a glimpse of heaven, and they wanted it to last. But it didn’t. All too soon it was time to come down off the mountain and face the world again. Jesus had work for them to do.

Jesus has work for us too. He placed us in this time and place to spread his word. We get to tell little ones and their families about Jesus’ saving love. We help them live their faith, thanking Jesus through their words and actions. We patiently correct and train. It isn’t easy. It takes energy, thought, and lots of prayers. In spite of that, we know that this is where God has placed us, and it is good for us to be here.

Jesus showed his disciples this glorified view of himself to strengthen them. Soon they would see Jesus in a very different way: beaten, scorned, and crucified. We, too, are strengthened through the knowledge of what Jesus did for us. His death and resurrection assure us that he conquered sin, death, and the devil. He continues to guide and forgive us through this life, until we victoriously join him in heaven, where we can confidently say, “Lord, it is good for us to be here!”

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for letting me share the gospel message with others. Help me remember how important this work is. I trust that you will guide me each day until I join you in heaven. In your name I pray. Amen.

Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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