It Seemed So Clear But...

Mark 9

[9.9-10] Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. “Don’t tell a soul what you saw. After the Son of Man rises from the dead, you’re free to talk.” They puzzled over that, wondering what on earth “rising from the dead” meant.

Lord Jesus--After all this time I have the impression that I know you, and yet in the middle of the glory and light of your relationship to the father unveiled the inner circle missed it.  I wonder how much I miss or for that matter all of us miss.  We miss who you are, and your mission even as you are in the process of making that mission clear.

The very landscapes that appear familiar and well traveled can take on a new look.  We know the words and yet something has changed and it leaves us uneasy and a puzzled. The words are not new nor are they an unknown language. But they just don't make sense.  That was where the disciples found themselves. Puzzling over words that they had heard thousands of times and knew from childhood.

Death and messiah did not go together.  It was exactly what they didn't expect. Because of expectations that were not included in the plan, they missed the opportunity to be prepared.  Now it could very well be that this was just the way it needed to be. But I wonder...

Today it leaves me wondering what foreshadowing am I missing because my expectations that are not in line with your plan?  It is so easy to miss the point and to end up in places far from the cross alone and without hope.  That is after all where all of the disciples except John found themselves.  Most were able to make it back, but the cost was high.

So today guide me even when I am not aware of it because my expectations get in the way.  Use these hands and feet today.

 [9.11] Meanwhile they were asking, “Why do the religion scholars say that Elijah has to come first?” [9.12-13] Jesus replied, “Elijah does come first and get everything ready for the coming of the Son of Man. They treated this Elijah like dirt, much like they will treat the Son of Man, who will, according to Scripture, suffer terribly and be kicked around contemptibly.”

Peterson, Eugene H. (2006-06-15). The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language (Kindle Locations 30840-30845). NAVPress - A. Kindle Edition.