JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on what happened at the Mountain of Transfiguration.
In Luke chapter 9, Jesus took a few of His disciples with him to a mountain where he would pray. As Jesus prayed, the appearance of His face changed, His clothing became as bright as a flash of lightning. Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious splendor and talked with Jesus. Then, came a voice from a cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Peter was a witness. This is what he said about Jesus in Second Peter 1:17, “He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.” This testimony affirms the Father’s approval of Jesus and the worthiness of Jesus to receive our attention and devotion.
Focusing on the Heavenly Father’s approval of Jesus gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on Elijah’s challenge on Mount Carmel.
It happened in First Kings 18. He challenged the people of Israel to stop wavering between two opinions. He said, “If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” Mount Carmel was the place where the people were challenged to get off the fence of indecision.
The people said nothing at first, until Elijah offered a sacrifice to his God and 450 prophets of Baal offered a sacrifice to their god. Whoever answered by fire would be recognized as God.
The prophets of Baal went first and prayed to their god, but no one answered. When it was Elijah’s turn, the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice in answer to his prayer. When the people saw this, they fell and cried, “The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!”
Focusing on God’s worthiness to be followed gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Malachi 4:5 and 6.
“See I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Elijah was used of God in a mighty way to stir revival among the Israelites. At Mount Carmel, he challenged the people, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
There is often a connection between moral decay in society and the breakdown of the family. Similarly, where revival happens in society, the family unit is strengthened. Whenever we take a stand for the Lord or bring family members to a point of reconciliation, our actions resemble the ministry of Elijah.
Standing for God and family are vital relationship-building principles to take to heart in the Year of Connection.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
