Title
The Core Go To the Mountain
Scripture
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a mountain apart by themselves, and He was transfigured before them.
(Mark 9:2)
Devotional
Most of us, at best, only get to be part of the crowd. Now, being part of the crowd that follows Jesus is a great privilege. We are to be grateful to do so. Nevertheless, I would much rather be part of the inner circle. I want to be with the core believers. I would not have wanted to be only part of the multitude. I would have wanted to be one of the twelve. Not only that, I would have loved to be one of the three that went to the mountain. May I be so bold as to say that even more I would desire to be the disciple that Jesus loved. I would have hoped to place my head on His breast. I am willing to follow Christ with the crowds. I will do my best to know Him as a disciple. If He would permit me, I will get as close to Him as possible. I want to be one who would have been willing to stand at the cross. I would hope to have been able to care for His mother. I would desire to be like John, the disciple whom Jesus loved.
Thought For The Night
“We leave our places of worship, and no deep and inexpressible wonder sits upon our faces. We can sing these lilting melodies, and when we go out into the streets our faces are one with the faces of those who have left the theaters and the music halls. There is nothing about us to suggest that we have been looking at anything stupendous and overwhelming. ... And what is the explanation of the loss? Preeminently our impoverished conception of God.” John Henry Jowett in The Ministry of a Transfigured Church.
Evening Text
Mark 9:2: Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them.
Looking for Answers
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Why did Christ choose Peter, James and John?
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Of these three, why was John the disciple whom Jesus loved?
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How does one find such favor?
Evening Study Guide
Defining: Peter, James and John were the cadre of the disciples. Cadre: “A nucleus of trained personnel around which a larger organization can be built and trained.” American Heritage Dictionary
Referencing: “Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?’” Mark 14:37
Applying: Not for the honor, privilege or fame, but for the glory of God seek to be the cadre of the core of the believers.