Sword against Sword

                This past week, my husband and I have done are best to remind each other how much we love each other. We have been giving spontaneous gifts to one another, planning romantic activities, and taking time out of each day to talk about our feelings and appreciate each other. We have been trying to live each day in the presence of God and do the work He has for us. After this wonderful week, we met on the wrong terms last night. We had both been beat down by our days and had no energy to try to be strong for one another and ended in a huge argument about nothing. Feelings were hurt, tears were shed, and neither of us ended up getting much sleep. After some apologies, we finally ended the night and up this morning to face the world again.

Matthew 17 tells a very interesting story about Jesus calling Peter, James, and John up to a mountain. On the top of the mountain, away from everyone else, Jesus is transformed and joined by Elijah and Moses. Peter suggest that they build tents to stay on the mountain that night, but the presence of God comes down on them like a cloud and the three disciples become afraid. When they finally lift their heads, only Jesus is standing before them and He leads them back down the mountain. Jesus instructs the three disciples not to tell anyone about what happened until after He was raised from the dead. Not too much longer after this vision, Peter denied even knowing Jesus.

No matter how great my time with the Lord is in the morning, there always comes a time when He leads me back down the mountain. I can very easily get distracted and forget everything the Lord has taught me and go about my day as if I do not ever know Him! I forget how fearful I was when I had a glimpse of His presence and act as if He has had nothing to do with my life. We are meant to live as followers of Christ even when we come down off the mountain. Jesus has given us the power to do His will and even gave us the Holy Spirit to remind us what He has taught us. If we can keep from fighting with each other and fight the battle of life together we will accomplish the work of God’s Kingdom.

God, I know that I must come down the mountain and face the world. Please help me not to forget what you have taught me. Help me to keep in mind what really matters in life and to do the work you have prepared for me. Amen.