Daily Bread Feb 7

Glimpse Jesus’ Glory
By Scott Murphy, First Presidency


Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. …Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. —Luke 9:28–29, 35–36 NRSV

In many ways, the story of Jesus’ transfiguration serves as an important wakeup call to my own disciple and spiritual formation.

Before the transfiguration, the disciples saw the human Jesus living divine actions. However, on the mountain these same disciples witness the divine nature of Jesus revealed, and they experience a divine disruption in how they see and hear.

In his moment of awe, Peter wants to commemorate this inspiring experience. The voice of God stuns him. “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

The power of this story is not in the special effects of Jesus’ dazzling white clothing. It is not in the voice that speaks from the cloud. The power of the story lies in that to whom it points—who Jesus is, the Son of God, Emmanuel—God with us.

This story invites me to consider if my views of Jesus become so narrow that I neglect to see the fuller expression of whom Jesus yearns to be for us.

Am I so busy doing “church work” that I fail to listen to the voice of Jesus that is spoken through his actions of justice and peace?

Today, hearing this remarkable experience on the mountain reminds me there is a need for all of us to engage in the spiritual practice of slowing. When we do, it is not surprising when we can see and hear in ways that awaken us to the divine nature of Christ’s presence right in front of us.

Prayer for Peace

We are listening, God. We listen and watch for Christ in our daily lives. Help us find ways to slow our everyday busyness and practice the peace we see in the life of Christ.

Spiritual Practice: Voices of God

What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom, God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the voice of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many voices of God?

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will welcome Divine disruption.

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