READ MATTHEW 17
Years ago a young man in his early twenties made a spontaneous, emotional decision for Christ. “Rick” was the kind of guy most people immediately liked. He was popular not only because he was charismatic and athletic, but because he was completely transparent and uninhibited. Whatever he felt at the moment he expressed and everyone was attracted to his childlike openness.
The third week he attended our church, Rick confessed Christ as Savior and was baptized. I rejoiced with him but was somewhat concerned because he came from such a worldly background and his decision may have been more emotional than cerebral.
When he left church on Sunday night he was on a spiritual high. He chattered about how wonderful he felt and how he couldn’t wait to come back next Sunday. On Thursday I called to see how he was doing and could immediately tell by the tone of his voice that he was no longer on a spiritual high. I asked, “Rick, how are you getting along?”
He moaned, “Oh…., just sitting here in my apartment all alone, realizing I can’t have any women over, can’t do drugs or get drunk, not supposed to go to the track or watch the wrong kind of movies. I’m just sittin’ here thinkin’ about the joy of the Lord….” I couldn’t help but giggle at his comment, but I understood.
Rick had quickly discovered that the Christian life is not a prolonged emotional high. There are spiritual peaks and valleys. Our commitment to Christ does not exempt us from lonely nights, carnal temptations, disappointing defeats or painful experiences. Jesus challenges us to take up our cross daily and follow him and that’s not always exciting, or pleasant. That’s why Eugene Peterson described the Christian life as, “A long obedience in the same direction.”
In Matthew 17 Peter James and John learned that lesson. On a mountain outside Jerusalem they witnessed the thrilling transfiguration of Jesus. The Lord’s garments suddenly became dazzling white and out of nowhere Moses and Elijah appeared with him. The disciples had never seen anything like it! Their hearts were pounding! What an emotional high that must have been for them.
When it was over Peter was so excited he suggested they make a monument on the mountain so they could return to that exact spot and relish that exhilarating moment. Instead, Jesus led his three friends back down to the base of the mountain where there was trouble. In the valley they learned that a father had brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus’ disciples for healing but they had failed to exorcize the demon.
The magnificent revelation of Jesus’ deity on the mountain was followed by the reality of disappointing struggles and failures in the valley. The disciples were embarrassed, the boy’s father was disappointed and the son was still tormented by his demon. Jesus patiently focused on the challenge and proceeded to exorcize the demon and free the young man.
The disciples experience that day teaches us two practical lessons about dealing with the inevitable highs and lows in our spiritual lives. First, savor mountaintop experiences but don’t expect them to last forever. I’ve often heard people say, “I felt so close to God when I first accepted Christ”, or “I was really filled with the Spirit at the end of that Christian retreat”, or, “I was so moved at the end of that Christian conference”.
Then they say, “I just wish I could recapture that feeling.” Like Simon Peter they want to build a monument and return to that spiritual high. The truth is Spiritual highs are rare and temporary so enjoy them but don’t measure your relationship with God by them.
Secondly, make the most of the present opportunities when you’re living in the valley. For the most part the Christian life isn’t lived on the mountain peak; it’s lived in the valley of ordinary procedures and daily challenges. The Lord is just as close to you when you’re performing routine assignments like changing diapers, filling out forms or dealing with customers as He is in a dramatic conversion or moving worship service.
Don’t waste away much of your life pining for the good old days or trying to recapture a special feeling. The Bible challenges us to “make the most of every opportunity” even when the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
After the transfiguration experience Jesus didn’t say, “Look, I don’t have time to confront demons. I need to get my rest so we can go back up the mountain tomorrow and visit with Moses and Elijah again.” No, the mountain top experience reenergized him to cope with the vexing issues of the moment. Jesus focused on the opportunity in front of him in the valley. I’m confident the demon possessed young man and his Father were most grateful for that.
Rick’s challenge after his conversion years ago and your challenge for this week is to be faithful in the valley even if you don’t feel like it. As we mature in Christ we understand it’s not about feeling it’s about daily obedience. I like the way an old Pentecostal preacher put it years ago: “I don’t care how high you jump or how loud you shout. What’s important is when you land you walk straight.”
** If you are enjoying this study through the book of Matthew with Bob Russell, be sure to check out Bob’s “Falling In Love With Jesus Again” Bible Study DVD and resources for your small group or church.
