Stop, Look & Listen

            When we teach children safety about crossing the street, we tell them to stop, look both ways and listen for the traffic.
            At Grace we have a phrase we use with the kiddos when we want their extra close attention. It is "stop, look at me and listen". All I have to do is say this phrase and all eyes are on me, and the children are waiting for an important announcement.
            This past Sunday we celebrated the TRANSFIGURATION of Jesus. The day we remember when Jesus appeared with Moses and Elijah to three of His disciples. What I find interesting is that while Jesus is on the mountain with Moses and Elijah, Peter is busy talking and making plans about what they should do while Moses and Elijah are there. I think this aspect appeals to the teacher in me. I have to wonder if Jesus just wanted to tell Peter "Shhhh!" Jesus didn't have to do anything. His Father in Heaven took care of it for Him. While Peter was still speaking, God the Father said, "this is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5).
            When the disciples heard the voice of God, they were terrified and fell on their faces. Jesus, the Great Comforter, told them to get up and not be afraid. He knew the love His Father had for His children. He knew the message and ministry that was to come and the purpose He, Jesus, had to accomplish.
            It is important that we as Christians stop, look, and listen to the Word of God, just as the disciples had to stop look, and listen on the mountain.
            We need to STOP what we are doing once a week. Stop and attend a church service. Stop what we are doing and be in fellowship with other Christians through Word and Sacrament.
            We need to LOOK, pray, and meditate daily on the word of God and seek His message in our lives.
            We need to LISTEN to what He has to say to us throughout our lives through His word. The Word of the LORD is a living and breathing word. It has applications for us at every stage of our lives. We need the fellowship of others to help us understand what He has to say to us.
            The children of our school stop, look, and listen to the word of the LORD each and every day. We as adults need to do this as well.
            This is what our LORD told us.
©vjhelmling